Official Inauguration of MAPA SCIO!

Official Inauguration of the MAPA Foundation – A Historic Moment for the Great Polish Map of Scotland!

On March 21, 2025, a special event took place at the picturesque Barony Castle Hotel – the official inauguration of the MAPA Foundation. It was here, in the heart of Scotland, that we officially began our mission to protect, promote, and develop the Great Polish Map of Scotland – a remarkable cartographic work and a symbol of Polish-Scottish friendship.

The event gathered many distinguished guests, who shared their reflections and support for this initiative. Among them were representatives of the Polish Consulate, the Scottish Parliament, local authorities, social organizations, and Polish schools in Scotland. We were also honored by the presence of representatives from Barony Hotel, trustees of the MAPA organization, the EDUS Association, as well as a delegation from the Branch of the Polish Reservists’ Association in the UK and members of a local scout group.

Key moments of the event:

Grzegorz Koscielak – General director of Mapa Scio

Gustaw Fit – Deputy General Director of MAPA Scio, plan and project

Christine Grahame (MSP) – shared a touching anecdote about how many years ago she learned a few sentences in Polish and delivered them in the Scottish Parliament, which was an extraordinary experience for her!

Łukasz Lutostański – Polish Consul General conveyed many words of support and emphasized the importance of Polish-Scottish cooperation.

Keith Burns – shared the fascinating story of discovering the Map and the beginnings of efforts to restore it.

Dr. hab. Małgorzata Luc (Jagiellonian University) – offered a valuable scholarly perspective, sharing knowledge on the historical and cultural significance of the Map.

After the official part, guests enjoyed a banquet accompanied by jazz music by Julia Jackiewicz, and to conclude, we watched the inspiring film “We Can Do It”, documenting the history of this unique place.

It was an unforgettable day that marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Map. We are full of energy and ready to act! Thank you to everyone who was with us – this is just the beginning!