The  Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament is a grassroots democratic assembly developed by the voluntary organisation Scottish Rural Action (SRA). It has funding support from the Scottish Government – £80,000 this year. It is also a member of the European Rural Parliament.

In 2023 The Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament will meet in Inverness at The Nevis Centre on 1-3 November.

Commenting on the work of the Parliament and its importance in decision making Chair of Scottish Rural Action Theona Morrison said:

“Rural and island places make up 98% of our country’s landmass. They are the locus of our natural assets, of our capacity to produce food and generate energy, and of a rich, enterprising, cultural and linguistic tapestry. We have an opportunity now to shine a light on the solutions that rural and islands communities offer to global challenges, including climate change.

“We look forward to sharing these solutions with the First Minister after the November event, and to working with the Scottish Government to build the resilience and sustainability of our rural and island places from the Borders and Lothians, to Shetland; and to make these solutions a reality.”   

In 2021, due to Covid restrictions, the Parliament was held virtually but the response was great and it was attended by over 600 participants.

The Parliament is supported by partnership of over 40 organisations, coordinated by SRA and the Scottish Islands Federation.

Click on this link on more information and how to attend: Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament 2023

It is free to attend. The theme for discussions this year will be ‘Village Halls and Community Spaces’. Registration for the event opens in August.

The Parliament meets every two years in different places, so this is an opportunity for citizens and organisations in rural and island communities to come together.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said:

“The Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament – the only rural parliament in the UK – provides an important opportunity for people who work and live in these areas to have their voices heard.

“The discussions and views aired will help to inform Scottish Government policy-making. Indeed, discussions at previous Rural Parliaments helped to shape the concept of 20-minute neighbourhoods within the National Planning Framework.

“The most recent Scottish Rural Parliament in 2021 hosted a democratic assembly of over 600 participants from across rural Scotland. I would encourage anyone with an interest to sign up for this year’s event and to make what I am sure will be very valuable contributions to the discussions on the future of Scotland’s rural and island communities.”