“Our ambition is to transform politics in Scotland and together create real improvements in people’s lives.” – Denise Stewart-Thomson

Scotland – Your Party has officially launched its Highlands and Islands branch. The new branch has elected its founding officers and is already building on a membership of almost 300 people across the Highlands and Islands.

Denise Stewart-Thomson, Chair of the Highlands and Islands branch, said:

“Your Party Scotland offers a fantastic opportunity for real change, being member led, focus is on what matters to you… People are joining because they want more than ”politics as usual” to meet the needs of the many not the greed of the few.

“Your Party Highland & Islands Branch already have members within all regions of our Highlands and Islands. A party which is yours, rooted in communities, workplaces, and social movements, one that is willing to challenge the concentration of wealth and power and change priority in our society.

“Our ambition is to transform politics in Scotland and together create real improvements in people’s lives.”

The newly elected officers are:
● Chair: Denise Stewart-Thomson, Inverness
● Secretary: George Vickers, Orkney
● Treasurer: Paddy Docherty, Lewis
● Workplace Liaison Officer: Sheona Macgregor, Orkney

George Vickers, Branch Secretary, said:

“The Highlands and Islands faces unique challenges, from housing shortages and fuel poverty to the impact of major developments that often fail to deliver meaningful benefits for local communities.

“We want to build an active branch that gives people a voice, campaigns on the issues that matter locally, and connects communities across our region in a common struggle for social justice and democratic change.

“If you want to get involved, please contact us via email, highlandsandislands@yourparty.uk.”

The branch was established following an inaugural meeting attended by members from communities including Inverness, Fort William, Orkney, Lewis, Ullapool, Wester Ross, and Helmsdale.

Members identified a range of priorities including tackling poverty and the cost of living crisis, addressing housing pressures, supporting a genuinely just transition to a green economy, opposing racism and the far right, and building a political movement capable of delivering real change.

Your Party describes itself as a democratic, member-led socialist party committed to social justice, peace, and international solidarity, with the goal of transferring wealth and power from the few to the many in a democratic socialist society.

The branch has already identified several campaigning priorities, including opposing racism and the growth of the far right, supporting a just transition to renewable energy that benefits local communities, and strengthening local campaigns on issues such as public services, food security, and community resilience.

As the branch begins its work, members say their focus will be on growing the party across the region, supporting local campaigns, and helping to build a democratic, member-led political alternative capable of delivering social, economic, and environmental justice.