Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament is coming back in the last week of October 2027!
#SRIP2027 is going to Galashiels, Scottish Borders
Join us there!
The Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament (SRIP) is back in 2027 – and this time we’re in the Borders.
The Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament (SRIP) and the Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament (SRIYP) are the UK’s largest participative democratic assembly. First held in 2014, the SRIP and SRIYP bring together hundreds of people from across rural and island Scotland to connect, share ideas, influence policy, and shape the future of their communities.
The 2027 edition of SRIP will continue this tradition by creating a national platform for collaboration, creativity, discussion, and action around the key opportunities and challenges facing rural and island Scotland.
The SRIP 2027 will bring together people from across Scotland to share solutions, celebrate community action, influence policy and build connections for the future of rural and island Scotland.
Workshops. Study visits. Culture. Youth voices. Big conversations.
More details coming soon.
“After the success of Scotland hosting the 2025 European Rural Parliament in Inverurie, I am looking forward to seeing that momentum carried forward to Autumn 2027 with the 6th Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament and Youth Parliament. The Scottish Government looks forward to engaging with the SRIP delegates on a range of matters, including a Rural Renewal Bill and the next stages in the implementation of the Community Wealth Building Act, and the National Islands Plan.”
Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs“Communities in the Scottish Borders each have a distinct history and heritage, as well as unique assets and challenges. The region provides a rich source of learning to inform discussions at the 6th SRIP. Recent years have seen profound changes for our rural and island places and the programme we design will enable us to collectively identify what future policy should look like whether you are living on Yell, in Maybole or Innerleithen.”
Hans Waltl, Chair of the Scottish Borders CLLD Local Action Group“The SRIP is the UK’s largest participative democratic assembly. It exists for all rural and island people to have their voices heard – you do not need to be elected to take part in it. As well as influencing policy, it is about building solidarity. Communities coming together will be able to overcome any crises ahead. While we invest in policy, as civil society we also invest in pragmatism – grants fluctuate, institutions come and go but trust and collaboration have deeper roots than any budget.”
Artemis Pana, National Coordinator at Scottish Rural Action“We are delighted to see the Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament coming to the South of Scotland. This is an important opportunity to put the voices, priorities, and potential of our rural communities – including young people and therefore our future generations – at the heart of national discussion. We look forward to welcoming delegates and giving them a real insight into the South of Scotland – its strengths, character, and economic potential. It brings partners, businesses, and communities together to share ideas, strengthen collaboration and drive practical action to support a fair, sustainable, and growing regional economy.”
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise“We’re delighted that Scottish Borders will host the 6th Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament in 2027, taking place in Galashiels. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the pride, warmth and community spirit that defines the Scottish Borders, while bringing people together from across Scotland to share ideas, learn from one another and help shape a positive future for our communities, with young people playing a vital role in those conversations.”
Juliana Amaral, Chief Executive Officer at Borders Community Action
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Looking back: European Rural Parliament 2025
The European Rural Parliament (ERP) is a long-term grassroots movement that brought together rural people, organisations and policymakers from across Europe to strengthen rural voices, exchange ideas and shape rural policy agendas through collaboration and community-led action.
The 6th European Rural Parliament Gathering took place across Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus from 21st–23rd October 2025, hosted by Scottish Rural Action and partners.
The event welcomed delegates from across Europe for workshops, study visits, cultural activities and discussions focused on rural community solutions to global challenges.
To learn more about the event, outcomes and legacy of the 6th ERP, please visit the official website.
SRIP local events
In between assemblies, the SRIP team helps support local events across Scotland’s rural and island places.
Their purpose is to support activism and progress the themes that are identified as priorities by the SRIP delegates and youth delegates.
Learn more about them and how you can get involved here!
What is the Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament?
It is a grassroots democratic assembly, bringing together people who live and work in rural and island Scotland to debate the issues that matter. It forms part of a process to help mobilise rural and island communities in Scotland and amplify their diverse voices.
It creates space for strengthening connections between communities, organisations and decision-makers in Scotland, the UK and Europe. Taking place every two years, and a member of the European-wide network of Rural Parliaments, this large-scale participatory democratic assembly attracts hundreds of people to build stronger collective influence for rural and island Scotland.
How can I get involved?
Partnership, sponsorship and curator opportunities for SRIP 2027 will open soon.
By supporting the Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament, your organisation will be aligned with community-led action, rural innovation, participative democracy and positive change across rural and island Scotland.
We offer flexible opportunities for organisations, networks and businesses wishing to contribute to workshops, exhibitions, cultural activities, youth participation and delegate experiences.
We would be delighted to discuss how you can be part of SRIP 2027.
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