Wheatley lends support to Scotland’s most diverse Burns Supper

The Glasgow Afghan United Burns and Rumi Supper will bring together 250 people from countries who now call Scotland their home.

The event, organised by Glasgow Afghan United and supported by Wheatley Group, takes place at Glasgow City Chambers.

It will highlight Scotland’s many cultures and celebrate the life and works of Rabbie Burns and Afghan poet Mawlana Jalal-al-din Rumi. It unites the cultures of Scotland and Afghanistan, offering a platform for poetry, music, and cultural exchange.

The special event features performances by children from the GAU School, the charity’s dedicated curriculum-boosting project, which is helping to close the attainment gap. The night will blend traditional Scottish customs with poetry inspired by the 13th ‑century Persian poet and Islamic scholar Rumi, symbolising the shared humanity at the heart of both writers’ work.

Representatives from Ukraine, Japan, China, Germany, Pakistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, America and France are among the 30 countries attending the night.

Abdul Bostani, managing director of Glasgow Afghan United, said: “It is our honour and privilege to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Scotland and Afghanistan with a diverse audience drawn from across this country’s many communities. Our theme this year is ‘Scotland is Our Home’, honouring human rights, solidarity, and the incredible potential of Scotland’s people.

“That’s a topic Burns and Rumi would have approved of - the poets championed respect, friendship, and tolerance in their work, and these are values we’re proud to uphold. We can’t thank our friends and supporters enough for joining with us again and we look forward to a fantastic night of poetry, music, food and friendship.”

Wheatley last year supported the Refugee World Cup 2025, organised by Glasgow Afghan United, which brought together around 250 players from 50 nations at Toryglen.

Aisling Mylrea, managing director of Wheatley Homes in Glasgow, added: “This is an important event that celebrates the diversity of communities in Glasgow and across Scotland while supporting the rights of refugees.

“At Wheatley, we see every day how culture, community and shared experiences can bring people together. We’re proud to support initiatives like this that help people feel at home, build connections and celebrate the richness refugees and New Scots bring to our communities.”