The inaugural Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament took place at Caol Community Centre on the 1st of November. This youth-focused event engaged individuals aged 16 to 30 in discussions relevant to them, enabling them to reflect on their lived experiences and articulate what is important to them. Joined by Highlands and Islands MSP, Emma Roddick, and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, youth delegates had a unique opportunity to work together on a range of topics from housing to transport to food and agriculture and put forward key demands they want decision-makers to act upon.
Their demands are currently being written up and in the new year, it is hoped that youth delegates will meet with government officials to take forward their asks.