On 20th-23rd October 2025, Scotland hosted its first ever European Rural Parliament, facilitated by Scottish Rural Action in close partnership with the ERP Steering Group, the Scottish Government, Aberdeenshire Council and a host of European, National and local delivery partners. The event welcomed over 400 delegates from 40 countries to the North East of Scotland – Aberdeenshire, Angus, Moray and the Cairngorms National Park - with the main Gathering taking place at Inverurie Academy and the Youth Parliament taking place at Thainstone Agricultural Centre.
What is the ERP?
The European Rural Parliament (ERP) expresses the voices of rural people in Europe; promoting self-help and action by rural people, in partnership with civil society and governments.
Scotland’s vision for hosting the 6th ERP was to consolidate rural and island Scotland’s reputation on the European stage, opening doors for shared learning, and for new cross border community alliances, academic collaborations, policy synergy and business links.
As a former member of the European Union through the UK, Scotland was ideally positioned to examine the issues of the EU neighbour countries and many ERP partners. Scotland can demonstrate local, national and cross-border rural development, out-with, yet in close collaboration with EU programmes. Scotland’s enterprise agency approach to Community Led Local Development (CLLD) offers learning for European partners.
Key features of the ERP
Main Assembly: Interactive panels, keynotes, workshops, networking, and a “Market of Initiatives” to highlight innovations.
Youth Parliament: Designed for young participants aged 16–30, focused on their role in shaping rural and island futures. Find out more.
Study Trips: Eleven thematic excursions to explore renewable energy, land management, health and wellbeing, food & drink, tourism and more.
Cultural Celebrations: Showcase of the North East of Scotland’s rich heritage through music, dance, storytelling and food.
Hybrid Accessibility: Online participation to ensure inclusivity and reach.
The Declaration of Inverurie - adopted during the 6th ERP, outlining critical demands and commitments from rural communities.
Visit the European Rural Parliament website for further information on what happened during the event.