Irish President speaks of ‘strong ties’ with Scotland as visit gets under way

Catherine Connolly is making a four-day official visit to Scotland, which begins with a meeting with Mr Swinney at his official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh.

The visit comes after Mr Swinney met President Connolly at her official residence in Dublin in November last year, when he was the first overseas leader to see her after her inauguration.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney will meet the Irish President at his official residence, Bute House, in Edinburgh. (Jane Barlow/PA)

At that visit the SNP leader invited the Irish President to Scotland.

During her time in Scotland she will also receive an honorary fellowship from the Royal Society of Edinburgh, before learning more about a project funded by both them and the Royal Irish Academy that works to help deaf victims of gender-based violence in rural areas.

Over the course of the visit, the Irish Present will travel to Glasgow, Coatbridge and the Isle of Skye, where she will visit Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Scotland’s National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture.

Speaking ahead of the visit, President Connolly said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity of making an official visit to Scotland and building on my engagement with the First Minister in the opening weeks of my presidency.”

President Catherine Connolly met US President Donald Trump earlier this month. (James Manning/PA)

She added: “Ireland and Scotland are bound by strong ties of friendship, culture and language, with people moving between our countries for centuries.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting with those involved in many of the projects bringing our people together over the coming days, as well as meeting with members of the Irish community in Scotland.”

Mr Swinney meanwhile said he was “honoured” to welcome President Connolly to Scotland as he stressed the “deep and enduring connections” between their nations.

The Scottish First Minister added he is “determined to build on and strengthen” these links, saying they “enrich our societies and create opportunities for people in both countries”.

He said: “It was a privilege to be the first head of government to meet the new President last year. During that meeting, I set out my aim to strengthen cooperation in areas that matter to both our nations.

“This week’s visit by the President makes it clear this is a shared ambition and demonstrates the closeness between our two nations.

“I look forward to discussing future opportunities that will be underpinned by our renewed bilateral framework and our shared commitment to peace, equality and international solidarity.”

Earlier this year, President Connolly made an official visit to London and Leeds, meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace, and she has also made two official visits to Northern Ireland, while in June she met the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth.

She also met US leader Donald Trump earlier this month when he visited Ireland.