The Drumlanrig Accords are the outcome of a year-long series of high-level meetings convened by Imam Dr Sayed Razawi, culminating in a private retreat from January 14th - 16th at Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland hosted by the Duke of Buccleuch. They were joined by ministers and officials from the UK and Scottish Governments and from the European Commission.

 

Imam Razawi’s determination to convene meetings with members of different faith groups and lead discussion about how they could more constructively work together resulted in the emergence of a draft paper which has now evolved into the Accords. 

 

The option of using Drumlanrig Castle arose from the personal friendship between the Duke and the Chief Imam who met in 2017 at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, when the Duke was Lord High Commissioner. Their friendship has developed over the years as a result of the Imam’s attendance at Services at Westminster Abbey where the Duke is High Steward. It became apparent that having a quiet private retreat where all involved could get to know each other and debate in a safe relaxed atmosphere would be an important next step.

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In the months leading up to the retreat, a number of preparatory meetings were held involving the signatories - prominent scholars, and representatives from across the Jewish and Muslim communities. These gatherings were instrumental in building mutual trust and deepening interfaith understanding beginning with the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE and culminating in dinner with Rabbi Josh Levy, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg OBE and Rabbi Joseph Dweck.

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For the first time in UK history, senior representatives from eleven major Muslim and Jewish denominations then gathered to shape a future founded on shared values, reconciliation, and social responsibility and the new framework for engagement was formed. For the first time in UK history, senior representatives from eleven major Muslim and Jewish denominations then gathered to shape a future founded on shared values, reconciliation, and social responsibility and the new framework for engagement was formed. 

 

 The Duke of Buccleuch commented: 

 

“It was wonderful to watch how, gathered under the roof of a Scottish castle, staying together, eating together, talking in twos and threes and small groups, Muslims and Jews mingling most of the time, friendships were formed – a human chemistry emerged that enabled deep and thoughtful discussion. As a very privileged witness these were humbling and inspiring moments, the generosity of spirit from every corner, the courage - they will remain with me always.”