Be a Part of the Journey of Deepening Celtic Connections

At the beginning of the year, I was in Glasgow surrounded by the excitement and energy of what is called CelticConnections. The annual festival run by Glasgow Life is a celebration of Celtic music, and reaches across stages in Glasgow with internationally-renowned music and performances. In all, there are more than 300 events across multiple genres of music. It’s truly extraordinary.

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The banner of Glasgow’s CelticConnections reminded me of what I am passionate about – deepening the links between Celtic nations to further economic, cultural, charitable, and academic aspirations. These Interceltic connections date back for centuries – the history is rich. The present affords many opportunities for us to sustain and deepen the links and advance collaboration. Each of us are needed on this journey.        

I have come to know and follow The Interceltic Business Forum. It is full of momentum, positive energy, and motivational leadership. What I have observed and admired is how the forum fosters economic cooperation and collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders. Next year will mark the forum’s 10^th Anniversary. The founder Charles Kergaravat had a vision to bridge these links, and now we see how it has grown and will continue to expand.

Back in April, Cornwall, with the leadership of Cornwall Trade and Investment, hosted the last conference of the Interceltic Business Forum. The conference brought entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from across the Celtic nations to the National Maritime Museum of Cornwall. That backdrop was symbolically fitting because new ideas like ships carrying fresh crews were launched into the seas ofgreater collaboration.

As we collectively stand together within the Celtic family, a real advantage will be that senior business leaders, elected figures, and investors will observe it as attractive to speak to a collection of cross-cutting representatives from across Celtic nations. Of course, individual Celtic nations should proudly and boldly speak for themselves. A Celtic coalition of collaboration should not comprise that individual desire, but lift and enliven it. By further coming together, Celtic nations can collectively advance a more equitable, peaceful, progressive, and prosperous society.

Beyond the business and economic collaborations, there is real advantage in connecting with entities across the Celtic nations because of the shared arc and common heritage. Of course, music and culture stand right at the front, but we can be creative as well by advancing discussions between social enterprises, charities, and those entities who help individuals in need. A common strand that flows through all the identities of Celtic nations is kindness and a desire to lift the vulnerable. Additionally, we can ensure that individuals who come from ethnic minority groups or individuals who feel marginalised can share information across the Celtic nations about the obstacles they face and what they see as working.

Next month on August 4, the Interceltic Business Forum will be in Lorient, Brittany, France. This gathering will provide another spark for the journey of collaboration ahead. There in Lorient one will find a mix of the practical and the inspirational – new ideas, friends, and partners will emerge. But if you cannot make it, stay engaged with these broader endeavours and step forward. As I say, all are welcome and needed.

Here’s to deepening these proud Celtic links for the present and the future. As a portion of the Celtic Blessing says, “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.”

Ian Houston resides inthe Washington, DC area. He is a former executive, and is now a GlobalScot, a board trustee and advisor, a columnist for the Herald Scotland and Voice Newspapers in Cornwall, and an Honorary Professor at the University of the West of Scotland and University of Aberdeen.  

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