How SCIAF started

SCIAF was started in 1965 by the Catholic Bishops of Scotland with the help of three key people:

• John McKee, Head Teacher at Holyrood Secondary in Glasgow.
• Monsignor John Rooney, Parish Priest of St Columbkille’s, Rutherglen, Glasgow.
• Bishop Michael Foylan, Aberdeen Diocese.

The first member of staff, an Education/Promotion Officer, was appointed in 1981. Duncan McLaren took up this role in 1983 and in later years would become the Chief Executive of SCIAF.

SCIAF was started at a very special time in the history of the Catholic Church, when the Second Vatican Council (Vatican 2) took place. At this time, the Church issued a number of documents asking people across the world to do more to help those affected by hunger and poverty in the developing countries. The Scottish Bishops responded by setting up SCIAF. Since then over £83 million has been raised for communities in need around the world.

“From small beginnings in 1965 in a small school classroom in Rutherglen… with funds of just £8,000…SCIAF has grown into Scotland's leading international aid charity.”
Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaking on SCIAF's 40th anniversary.