With the support of the Japan Society of Scotland and Japanese Consulate in Edinburgh, we had organised and delivered a fantastic two-day summer festival at Shambellie House near Dumfries on August 24th and 25th 2024. This was the largest event JETAA Scotland has held in over a decade and, in addition to all elements of the 2023's autumn (Koyo) festival, it featured many new elements of the Japanese culture in Scotland, including a Karate and Aikido clubs, sashiko workshops, a photography and kimono exhibition, shamisen and koto play, folk dancing and singing, presentations and talks by The Edinburgh University academics (also members of the JSOS) on Kabuki theatre and on historic Japan-Scotland relations. There were a Manga and Cosplay contests with attractive prizes sponsored by Japan Society of Scotland. There were also tombola and raffle prize draws. Tombola items were donated by the JSOS and JETAA Scotland member and its proceeds went to aid Noto peninsula earthquake victims. Over 80 volunteers and over 200 visitors took part in the festival which was held at Shambellie House in New Abbey near Dumfries. The festival was officially supported by The Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh and JSOS. It attracted government officials and gained much publicity. Local iTV news presented a 2 minute feature on the festival during the evening news.
This year, the festival is extending to 3 days and it will be a celebration of Japan-Scotland cultures and communities. British Sasakawa Foundation is officially supporting the festival which will again take place at Shambellie House and also extend to New Abbey village with a large number of volunteers, workshops and stalls. We call all former JETs living in Scotland and wider UK to visit the festival. Should you wish to volunteer or support us with donations, please contact scotlandchair@jetaa.org.uk
There are currently 242 JETAA Scotland members on our mailing list.
JETAA Scotland is also active on social media and has its own Facebook and Instagram pages.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jetaascotland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetaascotland/
Scotland Committee 2025
Chair:
Zeljka Letica (4 years consecutive)
scotlandchair@jetaa.org.uk
Vice-Chair:
Pippa Lockhart (1st year)
scotlandvicechair@jetaa.org.uk
Treasurer:
VACANT role
International Representative:
Polly LeGrand (1st year though 3 years as the Treasurer previously)
scotlandrep@jetaa.org.uk
Communications Officer:
David Robinson (3 years consecutive) shared with Charlotte Boswell
scotlandcomms@jetaa.org.uk
General Members:
Matt Sanders, Tom Herbert and David Brookes