Scottish Rural Action (SRA) is a civil society organisation, set up to support the rural movement in Scotland.
It represents Scottish rural civil society at European Rural Parliaments and has delivered five Scottish Rural & Islands Parliaments, the most recent one, in Fort William in 2023, being a hybrid, three-day assembly of over 500 rural and island people.
Previous Scottish Rural and Islands Parliaments have been held online due to Covid19 in 2021 and in-person in Stranraer in 2018, Brechin in 2016 and Oban in 2014. SRA is a long-standing partner of the ERP and has sent delegates to each ERP Gathering.
“Hosting the ERP is an incredible opportunity to showcase Scotland’s rural community-led solutions to global challenges – the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, food security, changing demographics, security, democracy – and to learn from our European neighbours, opening doors for new cross border alliances, academic collaborations, policy synergy and businesses links.
“Scotland’s vibrant rural communities, with their innovation, resilience and commitment to sustainability, are ideal hosts for the next European Rural Parliament. I am delighted that Scottish Rural Action’s bid will bring this inspiring event to Scotland, where rural and island voices can come together to share ideas and strengthen both our communities and our relationships with our European partners”.
Theona Morrison (Chair, SRA)
Aberdeenshire Council is the local government body for the host region.
It regularly organises community and business conferences of various scales, up to several thousand delegates, in venues across the Northeast.
The Council works with various partners including Visit Aberdeenshire and the Aberdeen Conventions Bureau, who are also supporting this bid.
“We are deeply honoured to have had our wonderful region selected to host the 2025 European Rural Parliament. This prestigious event is incredibly important to enable rural communities such as those across Aberdeenshire to have their voices heard on a wide range of issues and themes to help ensure that their interests and wellbeing continue to be strongly reflected in national policies.
“It represents a truly excellent opportunity to showcase the continuing work undertaken by Aberdeenshire Council and a tremendous range of partner organisations to support our businesses and communities. I very much look forward to welcoming delegates from all over Europe to enjoy our rich hospitality and to see firsthand what Aberdeenshire communities – from mountain to sea – have to offer.”
Aberdeenshire Council Leader, Cllr Gillian Owen
Scottish Rural Network (SRN) is the rural network division of the Scottish Government.
The team promotes rural development through sharing information, best practices, and funding opportunities, fostering innovation within agriculture, forestry, and community led local development.
“I am looking forward to Scotland hosting this inspiring assembly, where rural and island voices will come together to share ideas and strengthen both our communities and our relationships with our European partners.”
Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland
“Hosting the European Rural Parliament in Scotland will be a unique opportunity to showcase rural leadership and exchange vital ideas with our European partners. It reflects our dedication to empowering communities, and to sharing sustainable solutions on an international stage.”
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs
About the ERP
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