Edinburgh welcomes Chinese New Year with grandeur

Scotland has long been home to a sizable Chinese population. Some arrived many years ago from Guangdong and Hong Kong, while today, a significant number were born in Scotland. More recently a growing number of Chinese students have also chosen to study at Scotland's prestigious universities.

Reflecting on the country's enduring relationship with China and the events during 2026 Chinese New Year festivities in Edinburgh, First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney commented:

"I would like to wish Scotland's Chinese community a Happy Chinese New Year. Our peoples have developed a strong and long-standing friendship cultivated through diaspora, students, business and culture.

We have just finished marking the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Government Office in Beijing in 2025, celebrating 20 years of Scotland and China connections and relationships.

I hope that we can continue to strengthen the ties between Scotland and China as we head into this new year, fostering our shared links in culture and business".

Edinburgh, Scotland's internationally admired historic capital transformed into a vibrant centre of celebration during this recent festive period, highlighting Chinese culture and mutual friendship. For me, having a long association with China, it was a pleasure to attend several events.

February 15 saw a truly passionate start to a great festival of music and dance, took place reflecting both Scottish and Chinese traditions. The event was held at the expansive and long-established Usher Hall, renowned for its excellent acoustics. Before the main event, a colorful lion dance performance took place outside the hall, to the delight of many onlookers. Delegates then gathered there before going inside to a reception where several important announcements were made.

A special thanks to Jessica Guo, who coordinated this dynamic and complex evening and invited me to attend. Also in attendance, along with the Consul General of PR China in Scotland, Zhang Biao, were Lesley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost (Depute Mayor) of Edinburgh; Right Honorable Lord Provost of Dundee, Bill Campbell; and Edward Tsang, Chairman of Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland.

During the pre-performance reception, Consul General Zhang Biao announced, to applause from the audience, that from February 17, UK citizens would permitted to visit China visa-free for 30 days. This positive move will surely encourage more British travelers and business representatives to visit China.

Following the reception, everyone gathered in the main hall for an outstanding evening of Scottish and Chinese culture coming together. The performances, occurring on the central stage, featured the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra. This included renditions of Chinese music representing inspired in particular by the Silk Road. Edinburgh's longstanding twinning relationship with Northwest China's Xi'an was acknowledged, alongside the presence of representatives from Xi'an's musical and cultural community.

The audience was naturally really impressed by performances from groups of young Scottish traditional dancers.

At the end of the evening, the orchestra delivered internationally iconic 'Auld Lang Syne', written by renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns. It was stunningly performed by the Orchestra with the audience, who were mostly Chinese, joined in enthusiastically before erupting into great cheer at the end, making me proud to be a Scot and for attending such a premier Chinese event in that beautiful capital city of my country.

Events continued during the following days, including Tuesday, February 17, at Edinburgh's City Chambers, or Town Hall, on the historic, architecturally distinctive, High Street. There, a well-attended celebration marked the beginning of the Year of the Horse. The event attracted not only members of Edinburgh's Chinese population but also representatives from the city's international diplomatic and business community.

Consul General of PR China in Scotland, Mr Zhang Biao, gave another very positive speech to the gathering. He expanded on the announcement that from that day, February 17, UK citizens will be granted 30-day visa-free entry into China.

The celebration was also addressed by Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, who noted that Edinburgh attracts many Chinese students to its prestigious universities. Scotland is developing steadily as a favorite destination for Chinese tourists, particularly interested in the long history and culture of this incredibly diverse ancient kingdom. This is strengthened by Hainan Airlines offering year-round direct flights between Beijing and Edinburgh.

Later, the Lord Provost stood beside 16 year old Kate Lin, admiring the talents of the young guzheng performer based in Scotland. Kate's deep passion for traditional Chinese music reflects the elegance and spirit of that heritage. Also present was Miss Hong Kong 2020, Lisa Marie Tse, who was born in Scotland.

Lion dances, traditional calligraphy and festive symbolism reminded me of happy times appreciating the Spring Festival in Beijing.

Sincere thanks go to Edward Tsang, Chairman, Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland, for organizing much of that evening's excelling events and inviting me to once again witness the success of this now annual event.

A delight also to have some of my Beijing photography on exhibit that evening and to be able to share some of my passion for that city I have known now for 39 years.

The final event of what was a busy week took place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel Edinburgh on February 19. Within that stunning environment, the China Britain Business Council (CBBC) held their annual Scottish Chinese Burns Supper coinciding with the commencement of the 'Year of the Horse' and reflecting the strong business, commercial and educational relationships between Scotland and China.

It was an honor to attend this prestigious event and to be seated at the Bank of China table, for that I am truly grateful.

Many dignitaries and leaders within Scottish and British business and academia were present during the evening. A welcome address was delivered by Sir Sebastian Wood KCMG, Chairman of CBBC and former British Ambassador to China (2010-2015).

Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge delivered the traditional 'Selkirk Grace', a feature of Scottish Burns Suppers, while Zhang Biao, Consul General of PR China in Scotland, reiterated the strong ties between China and Scotland and hope for future growth there.

The presence of academics such as Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh University, emphasized the positive growth in Chinese student numbers at Scotland's universities.

James Brodie of CBBC Scotland, who was a former speaker at the popular Burns Suppers, which I had attended in Beijing, delivered a vibrant Address to the Haggis' partly in Chinese.

Also in attendance was a team from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London which included Director General Fiona Chau; York IP, Deputy Director-General and Daisy IP, Head of Business and Talent Attraction.

Musical entertainment was provided by popular Andy Chung and Louise Marshal, the latter often referred to as 'Scotland's National Piper'. In keeping with the tradition, a colorful lion dance enlivened the hall during the evening's fine Scottish dining.

A full attendance that evening was very positive to witness, along with the interest shown in the promotion of business and friendship between Scotland and China.

It has certainly been an exceptional week in Edinburgh with such events reflecting the growing relationship between Scotland and China. It felt like a vibrant and positive start to the Chinese New Year.

Bruce Connolly is a photographer and writer from Scotland who has lived in China for over 30 years.

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