News - United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria

Santa Claus, accompanied by Snow White, attended the Christmas celebration at the Bulgarian Saturday School “ABV”. Together with the guests, they enjoyed the performance prepared by the students. The teachers skillfully guided the celebration, while photos and videos taken by parents captured the festive atmosphere. The children eagerly opened the gifts brought by Santa Claus and Snow White. Everyone wanted to have their photo taken with the two honoured guests, who were delighted by the attention they received. A congratulatory address was also received from the Consulate in Edinburgh, with which the school has maintained close cooperation since the opening of the diplomatic mission.

Thanks again for organizing the meeting.

On 21 October, a meeting was held at the Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, with the participation of representatives of the police, heads of general consulates, and members of diplomatic missions based in the city. The session, initiated by the Bulgarian diplomatic mission, focused its discussions on the main principles of cooperation and coordination in addressing consular cases that may arise. Key topics included opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the consular corps and the police, effective and timely resolution of issues faced by various communities in Scotland, and the establishment of clear points of contact between the police and the consular corps. The police representatives expressed their appreciation to the Bulgarian Consulate for organizing the opportunity for an open and constructive dialogue and committed to taking appropriate steps to address the matters identified as requiring further attention.

A delegation led by the Ambassador of the European Union in London, which also included the ambassadors of Bulgaria and Slovenia, held a meeting to exchange information and launch joint initiatives with the Consuls general in Edinburgh.

The Consulate in Edinburgh took part in the organization and holding of the 10-year anniversary of the First Bulgarian School "Nadezhda Stanchova - Lady Muir", Edinburgh. The festivities included three main events: a traditional ceilidh with Bulgarian, Scottish and Irish dances, with the financial support of the Consulate General of Ireland in the city, an international seminar for educators, specialists and people interested in the education of bilingual children and a concert. The seminar was attended by the Rector of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" Professor Georgi Valchev, as well as professors from the University of Edinburgh, the University of Cambridge, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", teachers from the "Nadezhda Stanchova - Lady Muir" school. More than eighty pupils participated in the concert, which was entitled "Welcome, Spring!".

The first round of talks on future cooperation between the Scottish higher education institution and the Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" took place at the University of Edinburgh on 21st March 2025. The initiative was proposed by the Consulate a month ago, during a meeting with Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh. Professor Georgi Valchev, Rector of the Sofia University, outlined the main areas for possible interactions. The highlighted topics were "Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Man and Society", "Exchange of Scientists for Joint Implementation of Projects in Areas Such as Climate Change, Big data, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy Sources and Antarctic Research". The Scottish side showed particular interest and assured that it will respond to the initiatives, some of which are also priorities for the University of Edinburgh, within next week. Alan Mackay, Deputy Vice-Principal International, will return the visit later this year, and lecturers from both universities will participate in various joint scientific forums and initiatives.

Adem was the first Bulgarian citizen to receive his passport in the recently opened Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in Edinburgh. Little Adem’s family attended the event.

We are pleased to announce that following the inspections carried out by the local authorities and official permits obtained, the Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in Edinburgh opened its doors to visitors on Friday 17 January 2025.