The Presiding Officer will continue her series of visits to all eight Scottish Parliament regions with a visit to Shetland in the Highlands and Islands to speak to local people about the future of their Scottish Parliament.
The visits, which form part of the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary commemorations, are to hear people’s reflections on the Parliament and devolution and their aspirations for the future.
Taking place on Monday (26 August), the visit has been set up in collaboration with community partners Shetland Community Bike Project and Voluntary Action Shetland.
The Presiding Officer and Highlands and Islands MSPs will meet with Shetland Community Bike Project at Lerwick Town Hall. This session will involve discussions, workshops and an opportunity to network, followed by a guided tour of Lerwick.
The event will mark both the Parliament’s 25th anniversary and that of Shetland Community Bike Project.
In the afternoon, the Presiding Officer and MSPs will hear more about the work of Voluntary Action Shetland, which supports a local Third Sector Forum made up of organisations delivering services to the community. This is an opportunity to recognise the work of the Third Sector Forum and for members of the Parliament to meet and hear from local organisations and people.
Participants will include those involved in: Ability Shetland, Shetland Carers, COPE Ltd, Shetland Community Connections, Mind your Health, Moving On, Shetland Link Up, Shetland Befriending Scheme, OPEN Project, school pupils and MSYPs.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “As we reflect on the Parliament’s achievements over the last 25 years, I want us to be focused on the future by hearing from people in Shetland and all over the country about their aspirations for their Parliament.
“I am particularly pleased to be visiting the Highlands and Islands region, to listen to people living in rural and island communities about the challenges facing them and how their Parliament can best meet the needs of their communities.
“This visit is also an opportunity to learn about the achievements of community groups working in Shetland, whose work provides vital support for many people.”
Caroline Adamson, Manager of the Shetland Community Bike Project, said: “I have been in this position since the project started 25 years ago.
“The Bike Project is much more than a bike repair shop. It provides paid and volunteer placements for people facing barriers to employment, equipping them with transferable skills, experience and confidence to help them get back into work.
“We support them to lead a healthier lifestyle and enable them to feel and be part of the community. This is not only of benefit to them but also the ripple effect which extends to their friends and family. So, one supported placement reaches out to many more in the community.
“We support up to 30 people in any one year and have a good success rate, on average, of 90% them being supported into mainstream employment, education and volunteering.
“At the event on 26th August we want to celebrate what we have achieved and say thank you to all who have supported us over the years. And we will hear from some of our service users whose stories highlight how the supportive environment that is provided by the Bike Project can lead to meaningful and lasting employment opportunities and benefit our community.”
Lynn Tulloch, Executive Officer at Voluntary Action Shetland, said: “We are delighted to support the Parliament visit in engaging in a range of third sector groups from Shetland.
“Part of Voluntary Action Shetland’s role is about ensuring the voice of the community and third sector is heard, and we look forward to the event this month.”