Gypsies and Travellers

Gypsies and Travellers are recognised as a separate ethnic group in Scotland. The term Gypsy or Traveller refers to several different communities.

There are 5 main groupings:

• Gypsies and Travellers whose membership is influenced by birth and occasionally marriage - this ethnic minority group has strong cultural ties, extended families and clans and consists of sub-groups of English, Welsh, Irish and Scottish Travellers
• Roma (Gypsies) who originate from Europe
• Show and Fairground Travellers sometimes referred to as occupational Travellers - they consider themselves a business community - membership of this group can be by birth however it is possible for newcomers to become part of this group - Fairground Travellers consider themselves a commercial or business group rather than an ethnic group
• Bargees and other groups living in boats
• New Age Travellers who are a diverse grouping with varying beliefs and backgrounds who live a nomadic existence

Living arrangements

Many Gypsies and Travellers travel for part of the year. At other times, they may live in:

• permanent sites
• houses
• other settled accommodation

A small number of people travel all year round.