University of Edinburgh Scottish Social Mobility Society (Scots SSMS) have seen a surge in memberships after receiving national attention for highlighting the “deep-rooted classism” at the university.
Whilst the society is not officially registered with EUSA, they have gained over 800 followers on Instagram and 200 responses on its society interest form.
The society was founded this year and, according to co-president James Leitch, aims to provide a “community for Scottish students, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, who often feel isolated.”
In an Instagram post, made on 10 October, 2024, SSMS describe Scottish student at the university feel increasingly “alienated, priced out and ridiculed in a place they consider home.”
In the same post SSMS criticised the Edinburgh branch of national student publication, The Tab, for making “classist” comments on their TikTok page, which has since been deleted.
“Recent social media posts, especially from The Tab, have intensified this [the alienation of Scottish students] with mocking comments.”
“These aren’t harmless jokes – they reflect deeper issues of classism and exclusion.”
A Scottish student at the University of Edinburgh told The Student that the university can be “alienating”, especially when “listening to people talk about you like a foreigner in the country you grew up in.”
They also noted how students at other universities in Edinburgh, such as Edinburgh Napier or Herriot Watt University, seem to have a “difference experience” regarding class.
Leitch told The Student: “there is a real demand for a society like this.”
When speaking to graduates from the university Leitch was told they “wished something like this existed” when they were at Edinburgh.
When asked about the number of people who have come forward talking about their experience of discrimination because of their Scottish heritage, Leitch explained how he did not find “it surprising at all”.
Reflecting on his personal experience, he explained he had been “told multiple times in tutorials to speak louder, clearer, and even to change [his] accent to be understood”.
The SSMS committee includes two report officers “who are there so students can report any instances of unfair treatment and discrimination.”
“With the university’s admissions system, a lot of Scottish students here are from working-class backgrounds [so] they often find themselves without enough support once they’re here.”
Scots SMS also emphasise on the importance of inclusivity and diversity.
Leitch explained how: “International students have also expressed disappointment that they don’t meet many Scottish students, as they came here hoping to immerse themselves in Scottish culture.”
“We want to bridge that gap and bring people together.”
The society is planning to host future socials for St Andrews day as well as collaborating with the 93% Club to host events such as workshops and speaker talks.
“Scottish Waving Flag” by Rhys A. is licensed under CC BY 2.0.