FURTHER action is needed to mend the harm caused to gypsy and traveller communities over the 1940s-80s “Tinker Experiment,” a human rights report said today.

First Minister John Swinney made an apology last year for the “trauma” caused by Scotland’s “unfair and unjust policies,” which the government said amounted to “cultural genocide.”

The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) said Mr Swinney took a “positive first step” in recognising the harm caused by policies meant to erase traveller communities’ traditional nomadic lifestyles.

These included taking children away from their families and forcing travellers to live in overcrowded housing.

A human rights report called for “transformative reparations,” such as financial compensation, to the victims and their families, alongside further apologies from Holyrood.

Titled No Man’s Land, the report recommended a “culturally appropriate review” into the adequacy of accommodation provided at traveller sites.

SHRC chair Professor Angela O’Hagan called the “marginalisation” of travellers “a long and shameful part of Scotland’s past and our present,” adding that “victims were forced to give up their culture and in some cases their children.”

“Apologies are vital,” she said, “but are not enough on their own.”

The Scottish government said it welcomed the report and “will carefully consider its contents.”

A spokesperson said: “We are improving the lives of Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland through the second Gypsy/Traveller action plan. 

“Backed by £1 million over the past five years, this is driving positive change to health, education, accommodation, poverty, and tackling discrimination.

“Alongside this, over £500,000 has been invested into the community health worker programme to support Gypsy/Traveller communities overcome barriers to accessing health and other public services.

“The Scottish government continues to engage closely with affected community members to explore further action in the immediate and medium term.”