The DataKirk today announced the appointment of Linda Scott, Chief Executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, as Chair of the Scottish Ethnic Minority Talent Summit & Festival (SEMTSF) 2026.

The appointment comes as the Summit prepares for its most ambitious edition yet, transforming from a single-city event into a multi-city festival running 26–30 October 2026, bringing conversations about inclusive growth directly to communities across Scotland—from the central belt to the Highlands and beyond.

Under the theme Navigating Disruption: All Scotland’s Talent at the Helm,”SEMTSF 2026 will challenge decision-makers in government, finance, energy, health, housing, and technology to harness Scotland’s full talent spectrum as a strategic advantage during uncertain times.

“Disruption waits for no one. Six years ago, we started a conversation about what Scotland’s talent pipeline could look like if nobody was left out,” Fash Fasoro, CEO of The DataKirk, said.

“That conversation became a movement. Now, with Linda steering this ship, we’re proving that inclusion isn’t a side event – it’s the main stage. When every voice steers, every community moves forward.”

Linda Scott, Chair, SEMTSF 2026, and CEO, West Lothian Chambers of Commerce: “Having steered businesses through choppy waters for years, I know that diversity isn’t just good ethics. It’s good economics.

“This Summit will give Scotland’s leaders the evidence, networks, and frameworks they need to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. The time for talking is over. This is about delivery.”

Recommended reading

• DataKirk SEMFEST 2025 Awards Finalists Revealed
• UK Political Tensions Central to Scottish Ethnic Minority Talent Summit
• Datakirk: Championing Scottish Black Talent Year Round
• Scottish Black Talent Summit: People Make Scotland

Last year’s Summit drew 505 delegates, 61% of them women, establishing SEMTSF as Scotland’s premier platform for ethnic minority talent development. The 2026 expansion reflects growing demand from organisations seeking practical frameworks for inclusive growth.

The DataKirk is working with strategic partners including to ensure the Summit addresses the full spectrum of talent mobility and workforce development challenges facing Scottish employers.

Scotland’s decision-makers whether in boardrooms or government departments, are invited to participate as attendees, speakers, sponsors, or partners.