Four hundred women gathered for Scottish Women Stand, a day to encourage participation in democracy, at the Scottish Parliament on Saturday.
Women of all ages, backgrounds and political affiliations were invited to a day full of inspiration, information and motivation, to explore their political purpose and path, and be a part of positive change towards the goal of gender equal political representation.
Pictured above are some of the CoSLA Local Government team who attended Saturdays’ event.
Cosla President Cllr Alison Evison is keen to see more women standing for election to public public office. She said: “All but two of the women pictured here are some of Scotland’s female councillors, all working to make a positive difference in the communities in which they live.
“They are from across the political spectrum or independent – and from across Scotland’s very different councils.
“For women thinking of standing – we can support each other, break down the barriers together, change the negative political culture together, both respect and give challenge to views when they differ, but come together in common purpose when our views coincide.
“We can make our democratic system work.
“For those women thinking of standing for elected office, for whatever party or for none, please take that step and stand!”
Four hub satellite events were also held to complement the fully-subscribed Holyrood gathering, giving women in Lochgilphead (Argyll & Bute), Aberdeen, Stornoway and Lerwick the opportunity to participate.