Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations come to Shetland
SHETLAND will play host to the Scottish Parliament’s presiding officer Alison Johnstone plus a number of Highlands and Islands MSPs on Monday as part of the parliament’s 25th anniversary regional events programme.
Apart for reflection on 25 years of devolution, the focus of the visit will be on recognising the contribution the voluntary sector makes to society.
As such the visit of the parliamentary delegation coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Shetland Community Bike Project.
Its manager Caroline Adamson is also celebrating being in charge of the project for a quarter of a century.
“The bike project is much more than a bike repair shop,” she said.
“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.
“At the event on 26 August we want to celebrate what we have achieved and say thank you to all who have supported us over the years.
Photo: Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
“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.”
Speaking ahead of her visit to the isles, MSP Johnstone 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.
“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.”
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She will be accompanied by Green MSP Ariane Burgess, Conservative Edward Mountain, SNP Highlands and Islands member Emma Roddick and local MSP Beatrice Wishart.
Part of the visit is a session on the local third sector at Islesburgh between 3pm and 5pm.
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.
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