01 November 2023, Starts: 10:00

Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 November  Nevis Centre  Fort William

The Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament begins this Wednesday!

We've got a shorter newsletter for you this month as much of our time has been spent co-organising the Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament, along with the Scottish Islands Federation. As many of you will know, we are absolutely delighted that this year's parliament, the fifth of its kind, is taking place at the Nevis Centre in Fort William this Wednesday, the 1st to Friday the 3rd of November.  Tickets sold out in record time, and we are so excited to welcome over 500 people online and in person!

The SRIP is a grassroots-driven, participatory assembly that brings together individuals, community members, businesses, and organisations interested in rural and island Scotland. It provides an inclusive space for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share expertise, and further collaborate on issues of vital importance to these communities, in addition to recognising and celebrating the important assets in rural and island areas of Scotland. We are delighted that this year we are welcoming folk from across rural and island Scotland, in addition to political figures including the Depute First Minister, Shona Robinson, and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon. 

Under the overarching theme of "Village Halls and Community Spaces," this year's SRIP will explore a range of topics including democracy and local governance, climate change, water resources, housing, childcare, rural cost of living, digital connectivity, youth perspectives, and many more.  

Not only that, but on Wednesday the inaugural Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament will be taking place at Caol Community Centre. This youth-focused event will engage individuals aged 16 to 30 in discussions relevant them, enabling them to reflect on their lived experiences and articulate what is important for them, ensuring that young voices are collectively heard and valued in policymaking. We are very excited to welcome young folk from across the Lochaber region to Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, the Cairngorms, Fife, the borders, and more! 

We know we will see many of our readers there, but if you can't join, please be aware that there will be follow up online sessions. The outputs from all the sessions will also be taken on a roadshow in rural and island locations across Scotland throughout 2024, further extending the impact of the discussions and enriching the insights gathered at the parliament.

A Huge Thanks to our Sponsors and Curators

We have lots of "thank yous" ahead of the SRIP, notably to our sponsors, without whom this would not be possible; to the curators, who are facilitating workshops and the study visits; to the many halls, trusts, community groups and organisations who are so graciously hosting us; and, to you all for championing for rural and island Scotland and supporting us in the work we do. Stay tuned on our social media channels and watch this space for a round-up of what happened at the SRIP in our next newsletter.

Visit the SRIP Website  for more information and programme,

and to join the  waiting list  for places.