Two of our final year Italian students played a prominent role at this year's reception on the occasion of the Festa della Repubblica Italiana hosted by the Consul General of Italy for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Veronica Ferrucci, in collaboration with the Edinburgh Italian Institute of Culture. 
 
Four students of Italian from Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities contributed with readings in Italian at the event which took place on 27th May in the Trades Hall in Glasgow, in the presence of distinguished guests such as the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, and our Principal Prof Sir Anton Muscatelli, and a multitude of other dignitaries and representatives of the Italian communities in Scotland. 
 
Our Italian Senior honours students Carys Bilton and Eva Merritt each read an extract from a speech about the principles contained in article 3 of the Italian Constitution. The speech was originally delivered by Teresa Mattei, a member of the Constituent Assembly in the newly proclaimed Republic following the referendum of 1946, in front of the Assembly on 18th March 1947. The extract outlines the principles of 'complete equality of all citizens before the law, without distinction of sex, race, language, social status, religious and political opinions', alongside ‘the solemn affirmation of [our] desire for peace and international collaboration’. In the speech the contribution of women in the making of the new born Italian republic was highlighted and valued. 
 
The reading, in Italian and in English translation (prepared by Eva), was equally shared between Carys and Eva, whose thorough preparation for the event was evident for all. Both students did us proud and were congratulated by audience members for the high standard of their contribution that showed their advanced competence and skills in Italian language and for engaging the audience in such a passionate speech, which still has such relevance today. 
 
Their performance reflected fully the excellent degree results subsequently attained by both. 
 
Congratulations Carys and Eva and very best wishes for a brilliant future - congratulazioni! 

First published: 5 August 2025

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Carys Bilton and Eva Merritt stand behind a podium and give a reading to an assembled crowd. An Italian and an EU flag stand next to them.

Carys Bilton and Eva Merritt, pictured above, address those gathered at the the Festa della Repubblica Italiana.