Part 1 – A Decade of Discovery at Colourful Heritage in Scotland

Making Heritage Visible via Projects, Partnerships, and Public Impact

The year 2026 feels both like a milestone and a moment for quiet reflection. Ten years ago, when I began my journey with Colourful Heritage as Project Officer, I could not have imagined the depth, richness, and emotional resonance of the stories that would unfold before me. What began as a desire to research and explore has evolved into a commitment to document and preserve the histories of South Asian and Muslim communities in Scotland—ensuring they are not only remembered, but recognised as integral threads in the fabric of the nation.

Over this decade, one of my most profound discoveries has been the resilience of these communities and how deeply their histories are woven into Scotland’s story. These are not parallel narratives—they are intertwined. From early seafarers (the Lascars) and students to post-war migrants, peddlers and contemporary changemakers, generations have contributed to Scotland’s economy, culture, and civic life in ways both visible and overlooked. Through archival research, oral histories, and community engagement, I have come to understand that belonging is not static—it is built and shaped over time. In Scotland, that sense of belonging has long included us.

At its heart, Colourful Heritage has been about making these connections and amazing contributions visible. This has taken shape through a number of projects I am incredibly proud of. Among the most impactful has been the video archive containing over 130 video histories of both men & women in Scotland sharing their incredible stories of arriving, surviving and making home in Scotland. This along with other research has led to the development of our digital timeline—an evolving platform showcasing community contributions, milestones, and achievements across generations.

Alongside this, we have produced research publications, online exhibitions, and curated storytelling platforms that reflect Scotland’s diverse past. Our work on Scotland’s Muslims, ‘GlaswegAsian’ identities, and historical links with South Asia has contributed to a growing digital archive that is both educational and empowering.

Our work beyond the digital space has been just as significant, particularly through our unique partnership with Glasgow Museums. Exhibitions such as ‘GlaswegAsians’ at Scotland Street School Museum (2017–2020) and ‘GlaswegAsians in WW2’ at Kelvingrove Art Gallery—visited by over a million people annually—have transformed public spaces into places of reflection, education, and pride.

More recently, collaborating with Dishoom in Glasgow has brought heritage into a vibrant, everyday setting—showcasing stories through photography that highlight contributions from civic and political firsts to scientific achievements. It is a powerful reminder that heritage belongs in everyday spaces, not just in archives.

People, Connections, and Reclaiming Stories

Reflecting on 10 years with Colourful Heritage, my journey has also been about people. I have had the privilege of building friendships and partnerships, connecting individuals across the world—from India, Pakistan, and the USA—with families and stories featured in our archives. Our resources have travelled widely, reaching schools, libraries, and institutions including many institutions including the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in the UK and universities both at home and abroad. Our work has reached audiences far beyond the UK, with interest from Rutgers University, New York who have visited our ‘GlaswegAsians in WW2’ exhibition at Kelvingrove several times and Chattanooga, Tennessee, where educators have engaged with our school’s resource pack and expressed a desire to visit us in Scotland.

I have also supported researchers and storytellers, from television programmes such as Antiques Roadshow and BBC Landward, National Library of Scotland researcher into Scottish South Asian voices in Broadcasting to Scotland’s PhD students exploring topics including South Asian doctors, migration and cuisine, as well as built heritage. Seeing our work inspire wider research and storytelling has been deeply rewarding.

One of the most moving aspects of this work has been seeing individuals encounter their own histories for the first time—often with a sense of surprise, validation, and belonging. In many ways, this work has also been about South Asian communities reclaiming their histories—reconnecting with narratives that have too often been overlooked, and reasserting their place within Scotland’s story.

Across the UK, projects such as our collaboration with Bristol University on South Asians in Britain,  contributions to several book chapters, and involvement with the South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) website reflect a growing interest in this shared history. It is equally encouraging to see other organisations continue this work—such as the LASCAR project and exhibition at Riverside Museum, Glasgow by the Bangladesh Association of Glasgow (B.A.G) in conjunction with Glasgow Museums’ support. Together, these efforts highlight how much remains to be uncovered.

Storytelling has also opened new platforms. Through podcasts such as DemocraTea and BBC television features, we have been able to challenge misconceptions and highlight the diversity within Scotland’s Muslim communities. The message remains simple: these stories matter.

Recognition along the way has been humbling. Awards from the Scottish Asian & Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE) Awards (2022) and the Education Award at the Scottish Muslim Awards (2025) affirm that this work resonates beyond our communities. They remind us that heritage is not niche—it is central to how we understand ourselves and each other.

To read part 2 visit: XXXXXXXXX

By Dr Saqib Razzaq, Project Officer & Head of Research, Colourful Heritage.

Discover the digital resources by Colourful Heritage in following article: ‘Preserving Scotland’s South Asian and Muslim Heritage’

To watch and hear the DemocraTea podcast with former MP, Anum Qaiser and Dr Saqib Razzaq celebrating Colourful Heritage visit: We Didn’t Arrive Yesterday | South Asians in Scotland

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