Members of SAYFC’s Agri and Rural Affairs committee, along with other youth delegates from across Scotland, were invited to Holyrood for a meeting of the Rural and Islands Youth Parliament (RIYP).
On January 18, SAYFC members met with politicians including first minister Humza Yousaf, before a trip to the debating chamber.
This was where Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon presented the priorities of the RIYP to the house, as discussed in the November conference last year.
Representing SAYFC at Holyrood was national Agri and Rural Affairs chair John McCulloch and East region vice chair James Kennedy.
In the initial session, John and James were granted an audience with First Minister Humza Yousaf, whilst hearing and speaking to a host of politicians including John-Paul Marks, Mairi Gougeon, Jenny Gilruth, Mairi McAllan, Jenny Minto, and Paul McLennan.
John and James then had the opportunity to head to the Parliamentary Debate Chamber.
Ms. Gougeon publicly demonstrated her commitment to the rural parliament by bringing to the fore their priorities and hosting a lively televised debate, with active participation in the discussion from all parties.
Ms.Gougeon commented: “It is so important that rural and island young people’s voices are not only heard but that they actively influence Scottish Government policies, hearing these voices will help us drive forward the first minister’s policy missions of equality, opportunity, and community.”
SAYFC was also highlighted within the discussion for their contributions to the project and the championing of rural youth in Scotland.
John McCulloch commented: “This session was a great chance for us to put across the views of young people in rural Scotland and ensure that our voices are heard at the highest level.
“We then attended a live debate in the chamber, where Mairi Gougeon put the priorities of the RIYP to other members of the chamber, leading to a healthy and spirited debate.
He concluded: “Ms Gougeon made clear her commitments to follow up on the priorities of the group at Holyrood. We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government going forward and seeing whether the commitments made in the chamber turn into action.”
SAYFC was represented by National Agri & Rural Affairs vice chair Scott Dey and committee members Stephen Allan and John Forbes.
Joining 75 other delegates from across all organisations involved in Rural Scotland.
Through a series of workshops, the delegates came up with a number of priorities to take to Holyrood including food and agriculture, skills, education, employment, housing, land, agriculture, and nature plus mental health and wellbeing.
John Forbes spoke on his experience: “The RIYP was a unique way to meet a diverse group of people sharing the common interest of where they come from.
“It provided a great opportunity to meet, question, and pose ideas to the Cabinet Secretary.
“It gave us the chance to showcase SAYFC to a wider audience.”
SAYFC continues to be part of a strong voice for Rural Scotland and they look forward to seeing the results of the debates
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