Yes. The active support and engagement of all political parties is essential for the success of the event. Every party represented in Holyrood would get a slot on the main stage. All political organisations would be able to stage an event – as long as it does not break the law.

The location is still to be decided. The critical factor in any decision making will be the willingness of the host location to actively support the event. Other than this, there are several main considerations:

• It should not be too close to Edinburgh. Distance from the capital as ESSENTIAL – the event aims to move politics away from the centre. The distance away from the centre encourages visitors to stay overnight and sample different events. This should be a major part of the experience. (Bornholm is about 3 hours travel from Copenhagen).

• At the same time it cannot be too difficult to get to. There needs to be good transport links.

• There should be adequate tourist infrastructure and the ability to expand outwards (not only for events but also camping and parking). Ideally there should be fun sights nearby.

• It should take place in an area where the event can make a real difference to local economic development.

We are hoping to launch the Scottish People’s Meeting in 2027. We are still looking at options for dates. It is important to find a time which doesn’t clash with Parliament and party conferences. This means that politicians are available (and it is easier to attract press attention). If it is held in the Highlands midge season is an important consideration!

Having fixed themes is difficult for an inclusive event – too strict a focus on one theme means that many potential participants will not come. In the Danish People’s Meeting, environment and health always feature prominently. Many events focus on current events: in 2024, security and Ukraine were big issues. 

A specific programme is planned for youth who are a key target audience. They are the future of politics.

These can be considerable. The Danish People’s Meeting is mainly about democracy. But it is also very much about developing the local economy. The advantages for Bornholm are:

Direct. Tens of thousands of high-spending attendees visit before the peak tourist season. The numbers can be compared to hosting golf’s Open Championship. It is a great time to own a B&B. 

Indirect. There are massive marketing and PR advantages of hosting the country‘s top economic and political leadership. This visibility is an explicit part of the island’s development strategy.

The Scottish People’s Meeting is in its early stages. But we are keen to spread the word and reach out to potential supporters. The team is small (and we all have day jobs) but we would be happy to consider giving presentations of the concept and the work that has been done so far. Most of us are based abroad so this would most likely be in the form of online webinars.

We are still at the early stages of developing the project but all help is welcome – in particular from people with some experience in fundraising, event organisation etc. Please contact us through the website.

Supporting organisations back the objectives of the Scottish People’s Meeting and share information with their membership. There are no other obligations. If you think that your organisation would like to become a partner then please contact us through the website.