Be the first to hear about the event
The Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament (SRIYP) is a dedicated space for young people from across rural and island Scotland to connect, share ideas, influence conversations and help shape the future of their communities.
Held alongside the Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament (SRIP), the Youth Parliament brings together young people, organisations and decision-makers to explore the opportunities and challenges affecting rural and island life today.
The next SRIYP will take place as part of SRIP 2027.
Further details, including dates, location and opportunities to participate, will be announced in due course.
About the Youth Parliament
The Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament exists to ensure that young people are actively involved in shaping discussions, policies and solutions connected to rural and island Scotland.
The Youth Parliament aims to:
- Amplify young rural and island voices
- Encourage participation and leadership
- Create opportunities for collaboration and connection
- Support youth-led conversations and ideas
- Influence policy and decision-making
- Build confidence, creativity and community engagement
Young people from across Scotland are encouraged to contribute their experiences, ideas and ambitions for the future.
SRIYP 2027 is currently in development and will create opportunities for young people to:
- Participate in workshops and discussions
- Connect with other young people from across Scotland
- Share experiences and ideas
- Engage directly with policymakers and organisations
- Explore creative approaches to rural challenges
- Influence conversations about the future of rural and island communities
The programme is being developed collaboratively and will be shaped by young people themselves.
Emerging themes
Early conversations around SRIYP 2027 have highlighted a number of important issues affecting young people in rural and island communities, including:
- Access to opportunities and services
- Transport and connectivity
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Sustainability and climate action
- Community participation and local democracy
- Housing and affordability
- Youth leadership and activism
- Rural careers and enterprise
- Creativity, culture and belonging
The final themes and programme will continue to evolve through conversations with young people and partner organisations.
Creativity, culture and connection
The Youth Parliament will combine discussions and practical learning with creative activities, cultural experiences and opportunities for meaningful connection.
SRIYP aims to create a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring environment where young people feel confident sharing ideas, building relationships and imagining positive futures for rural and island Scotland.
Inclusion and accessibility
Accessibility and inclusion are central to the development of SRIYP 2027.
The event aims to support participation from young people across rural and island Scotland through:
- Accessible and welcoming programme design
- Delegate support and bursaries where possible
- Opportunities for hybrid participation where appropriate
- A strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion and participation
We want every young person to feel that their voice matters.
Get involved
There will be a range of opportunities to support and contribute to SRIYP 2027.
We welcome conversations with:
- Youth organisations
- Schools and colleges
- Community groups
- Sponsors and partners
- Facilitators and creative practitioners
- Organisations working with young people across rural and island Scotland
If you are interested in supporting or participating in the Scottish Rural & Islands Youth Parliament, we would love to hear from you.