Grazie, Scotalians

Published on 07/09/2012 00:00

With Paul di Resta being ­mentioned as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton to drive for MacLaren, it occurred to me what a stunning impact second and third generation Italians have made on Scotland recently.

After the original immigrants became famous for ice-cream and fish-and-chip shops, their children and grandchildren have come to the fore in a 
whole range of professions, 
including restaurants and delicatessens.

Even more extraordinary is the emergence of a group of very high-profile Scots Italians in sport and art.

From di Resta and Indie 
racing’s big star Dario Franchitti and rugby’s Nick de Luca and Simon Danielli through to actor Peter Capaldi and writer Armando Iannucci; children’s writer Debi Gliori; artist Jack Vettriano to violinist Nicola Benedetti 
and singers Paolo Nutini and Sharlene Spiteri, Scotland is blessed at the moment with a huge group of Italian Scots who represent us at home and abroad.

There are many more (think of Daniela Nardini and Tom Conti) and, given that Scots with Italian ancestry comprise less than 2 per cent of Scotland’s population, I think this is an amazing group, and worthy of celebration. Perhaps with a glass of Prosecco?

Brian Bannatyne-Scott

Murrayfield Drive

Edinburgh