Fidel Castro's grandson to speak at free event in Glasgow next week marking 100 years since birth of Cuban leader

To mark the 100th anniversary of his grandfather’s birth, Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, will speak in Glasgow this Monday, February 2.

The free Glasgow event, organised by the Scottish Cuba Solidarity Campaign, is one of many stops on a world tour named 100 years with Fidel - set to take place in Adelaide Place Venues on Bath Street in Glasgow City Centre from 7pm to 9pm, February 2.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s birth on August 13, 1926.

Joining Fidel in speaking at the event will be Roz Foyer, the General Secretary of the Scottish Trade Union Council, and Carol Mochan, Scottish Labour MSP for South Scotland. The event will be chaired by Mark Ferguson Convenor of UNISON Scotland.

Through the speech Fidel is expected to reflect on his grandfather's enduring legacy and revolutionary life - touching on Cuba’s continued achievements in health, education, science and internationalism, as well as the country’s history of anti-colonial liberation, resistance to over 60 years of US blockade, and touching on the current wider situation faced in Latin America.

Arthur West, Secretary of the Scottish Cuba Solidarity Campaign branch, said of the upcoming event: “Glasgow has a long standing history of solidarity with Cuba, so it’s only fitting that the only Scottish date of Fidel’s tour is here in the city.

“This event couldn’t come at a more fitting time - conditions are desperate in Cuba with the continuing US economic blockade and the Cuban people are facing incredible hardships on a day-to-day basis as a result of the trade embargo.

“The Scottish Trade Union movement has shown incredible ongoing solidarity with us. Our campaign is one that will continue raising awareness for the current situation in Cuba, we only hope to expand awareness here in Scotland of the difficulties faced by Cubans on a daily basis.”

Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, 46, remains in Cuba to this day, honouring his grandfather's legacy through his work as a scientist and professor of nuclear physics and applied sciences based in Havana. Fidel remains a leading academic and advocate for Cuba’s international work, scientific community, and sustainability work.

Those interested in attending the event can do so by reserving their place for free by clicking here.

Arthur West continues: “It’s important that we recognise the legacy of Castro, and the importance of Cuba itself in the modern day. Despite all the difficulties they face, they still deliver first class education and health services, as well as international solidarity work that is second to none.

“Cuba tells us that there is a way forward. There is no finer example that a better world is possible.”

The Cuba Solidarity Campaign continues to raise funds in support of the Cuban people. So far they have raised over £250,000 to send much-needed medicine, equipment, and supplies to Cuba - and in collaboration with Jacob’s Well Appeal have sent over £1.3m worth of aid to the island.

Cuba Solidarity Campaign has published an urgent call for peace and sovereignty - appealing to the British government, the EU and the international community to oppose any threat or use of military force against Cuba as well as reaffirm their respect for international law and respect for the island’s sovereignty.

You can follow the work of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign here.

Fidel’s stop in Glasgow is his only appointment in Scotland, but he will continue his tour of the UK through the week. Other dates include:

Wednesday 4 February, LIVERPOOL, 7pm

Thursday 5 February, SHEFFIELD, 7pm

Friday 6 February, LEICESTER, 7pm

Saturday 7 February, LONDON