British High Commission Celebrates Scottish-Pakistani Links in Lahore

Lahore (DP correspondent) The British High Commission marked the deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people links between Scotland and Pakistan by hosting a vibrant Caledonian Ball at the historic Sir Ganga Ram Residence in Lahore on Wednesday.
The evening brought together elements of Scottish heritage and Pakistani creativity, featuring traditional bagpipe performances, musical pieces from the When Mountains Meet collaboration between Scottish and local artists, and couture fashion showcasing renowned designer HSY’s earlier work with Harris Tweed.
The event also highlighted the forthcoming 20th anniversary of the twinning arrangement between Lahore and Glasgow, a partnership that has fostered cooperation in areas such as healthcare, including collaboration between children’s hospitals in both cities, and early support for Rescue 1122 during its formation in Punjab.
Senior Minister for the Government of Punjab, Maryam Aurangzeb, attended as the chief guest, alongside politicians, senior government officials, business leaders, media representatives, and prominent figures from the cultural sector. Pakistani athletes were also present ahead of their participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow. The Caledonian Ball was supported by principal sponsors Gerry’s Group, Atlas Group, and Abacus.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said the occasion reflected how Scotland’s traditions resonate strongly in Pakistan. She noted that the celebration was about shared stories, art, and people, and underscored the warmth and mutual respect that characterise the relationship between the two nations.
Ben Warrington, Head of the British High Commission Lahore Office, highlighted the unique ways in which Scottish and Pakistani cultures influence one another. He pointed to Sialkot’s role as a major producer of bagpipes outside Scotland and the Pakistani-Scottish origins of Chicken Tikka Masala, now a staple of British cuisine. He added that these connections extend well beyond culture, influencing trade, education, and development.
Scotland and Pakistan continue to share longstanding cultural and educational ties. From the globally recognised “Spirit of Pakistan” tartan registered in Scotland to expanding academic cooperation, Scottish institutions such as Robert Gordon University are strengthening transnational education partnerships and joint research initiatives in Pakistan.
Educational links have seen notable growth in recent years. Since 2013, a Scottish Government-funded scholarship programme has enabled more than 25,000 Pakistani women and girls to pursue education. At the same time, the number of Pakistani students studying in Scotland has risen dramatically, increasing from around 500 in 2014 to nearly 5,500 in 2024 across 14 universities, including Glasgow Caledonian, University of the West of Scotland, Stirling, Edinburgh Napier, and Heriot-Watt.
The Caledonian Ball served as both a cultural celebration and a reflection of a partnership that continues to deepen across education, culture, and shared aspirations.