This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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The 10th Edinburgh Mela
04/09/2004
First Minister Jack McConnell today attended the
Edinburgh Mela Festival at Pilrig Park in Leith.
The Edinburgh Mela was founded in 1995 by members of
Edinburgh's Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi communities
with the aim of bringing together people from a diverse
range of cultures and backgrounds.
Speaking ahead of the event, the First Minister paid
tribute to the tremendous work of the communities of
Edinburgh who put on such a wonderful show celebrating
Scotland's cultural diversity each year.
He said:
"The Edinburgh Mela is a wonderful celebration of
Scotland's cultural diversity. The fact that thousands of
visitors attend each year is a reflection of its popularity
and its success.
"We want a Scotland we can all be proud of. A diverse,
modern and progressive nation where we respect and value
our differences, not fear them. I wish this 10th Mela every
success."
The First Minister visited the children's activity area
and the One Scotland Many Cultures stall to have his
polaroid picture taken as part of the "Scotland's Faces"
campaign.