Local Events
A series of SRIP local events will be brought to different places and groups across Scotland during 2025.
These thematic learning exchanges will be brought to life by host communities, supporting activism and exploring some of the key priorities of the 2023 rural parliament.
These local events will add to the richness of the SRIP’s contribution to rural and island mobilisation, practice development and policy design.
Learnings and recommendations will be presented to the Scottish Government and UK Government, and showcased at the European Rural Parliament, which is set to be held in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, on 21st-23rd October 2025.
Q: What’s a learning exchange?
An immersive, place-based exploration of a particular thematic, often a community tour showcasing interesting projects. Involves food, networking & workshops!
Q: Why are SRIP Local Events important?
To generate greater visibility of the rural parliament and the issues that matter most, and to enhance engagement between communities and organisations. They will inspire activism and participation in the SRIP process.
Q: What are the benefits to participating?
Learn from other communities, share ideas, experiences and knowledge. Hosts can showcase and gain visibility of their projects. For both, this is an opportunity to kickstart ideas for new projects and collaborations.
Q: Who can participate?
Anyone living or working in rural or island Scotland who has an interest in the thematic. Places will be limited to 20-30 people. SRA will work closely with hosts & participants to remove barriers to participation and design inclusive events.
Get involved!
If you have an interesting story to tell and would like to be involved in designing a local event, please contact SRA’s Project Lead, Nikki Brown nikki@sra.scot.
Bringing Youth Voices Together: Scotland’s First All-YLAG Workshop Sparks Collaboration & Growth
On Sunday, 2 March 2025, 36 people from across rural and island Scotland gathered at the Inverness Botanic Gardens for the first-ever All-YLAG Workshop. Organized by Scottish Rural Action, this event was part of the 2023 Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament (SRIP) Local Event Programme.
The Local Event Programme helps organizations build on priority themes identified by the 2023 SRIP delegates. One of these priorities is strengthening the Youth Local Action Group (YLAG) network, which is supported through the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme delivered by Local Action Groups.
Five YLAGs —Outer Hebrides YLAG, Orkney YLAG, Cairngorms Youth LAG, Youth Action Fife, and Forth Valley & Lomond YLAG —came together to enjoy the sunshine, lunch, and a packed event programme they had co-designed. Youth members, facilitators, and CLLD coordinators took turns leading presentations, discussions, Q&As, and deep dives into the challenges and opportunities for the network.
Excitingly, the event also welcomed young people and CLLD staff from five new regions—Shetland, Argyll & Bute, the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire—who are eager to develop their own YLAGs. The existing teams were thrilled to connect with them and share valuable insights.
The Local Event Programme supports community-led momentum between SRIPs, and participants at the All-YLAG workshop especially valued the opportunity to network and explore key topics together. As one participant put it, “I thought it was an amazing way to learn more about YLAGs!”
A huge thank you to Scottish Rural Network for supporting this fantastic day!
Stay tuned—more local events are on the way!