Members of the Rural & Islands Youth Parliament travelled to Edinburgh on Thursday 18th January to meet with MSPs to discuss ten demands that were created by members at the 2023 Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament event in November 2023. 

The housing market needs to be reformed to meet the needs of all people in rural and island communities now! By implementing policy that disempowers the private sector and empowers communities. The Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament

Some of the demands include a reform of the housing market to meet the needs of people in rural and island communities, a sustainable transport system, and utilising voices to bring about compromise and change. 

After the meeting Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Emma Roddick said: 

“It was great to get the chance to meet again with some incredible young people from rural and island areas across Scotland, many of whom were from my region of the Highlands & Islands. 

“I spoke with members back in November at the Rural & Islands Youth Parliament about why voices, leaders, and ideas from rural and islands areas are so important, so I am delighted this event was organised by Mairi Gougeon MSP to continue listening and engaging with members. 

“Our young people have vast and valuable experiences and knowledge that can teach the rest of Scotland – and the world – so much about resilient, sustainable communities. 

“I look forward to continuing engagement with the Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament to ensure voices of young people across the Highlands & Islands are heard.”