Dover House in Whitehall came alive last night as five Scottish graduates from Diageo’s award-winning Learning for Life hospitality programme travelled from Glasgow to deliver an authentic Burns Night experience for The UK Government’s Scotland Office.

Complete with high-quality drams and haggis aplenty, the Burns Connections Reception welcomed 160 guests, including Secretary of State Ian Murray and Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill, for an evening of culture, hospitality, and a celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.

Launched in Scotland in 2014 to tackle youth unemployment, Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, delivered in partnership with Springboard, equips individuals facing barriers to employment with the skills and resources needed for a career in hospitality.

Four Scottish graduates of the programme showcased the skills they gained through training and on-the-job experience at the high-profile Burns event. From preparing drinks to serving guests, their contributions added a touch of Scotland to London while helping them build their confidence and expand their resumes.

Diageo has invested £1 million annually in the programme over the past decade, supporting over 2,000 people in Scotland and more than 7,000 across the UK, with 83% of graduates moving into sustained employment and 90% reaching positive destinations.

Recalling the experience, graduate Gary Graham from Glasgow said: “Being part of this Burns Supper in London was an unforgettable experience. It’s incredible to see how far I’ve come since joining the programme, and I’m proud to bring a bit of Scotland to such a special evening.”

Having joined Learning for Life during Covid after facing barriers to employment, Gary is now thriving in a hospitality career while pursuing his passion for performing arts, exemplifying the transformative impact of the programme.

The festivities saw the graduates working alongside professional bartenders, providing exceptional service and creating a warm, community atmosphere that captured the spirit of Scotland. The bar team, supported by Barnomadics, ensured guests enjoyed traditional Burns Night hospitality while connecting with the graduates’ inspiring journeys.

Gillian Dalziel, Diageo’s Learning for Life Programme Manager, said: “Our graduates brought not only a true sense of Scotland to the heart of London but also a remarkable level of professionalism, enthusiasm, and skill.

They demonstrated exactly why Learning for Life is so impactful – it’s about more than training; it’s about empowering individuals to thrive and exceed expectations. I couldn’t be prouder of how they represented both themselves and the programme.”

The Burns Supper is the latest milestone for Learning for Life, as the programme continues to expand across Great Britain, helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and thrive in hospitality careers.