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Summer Cabinet plans
17/05/2009
The Scottish Government's Cabinet will hold five meetings outside Edinburgh this summer, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.
Dundee, Melrose, Stornoway, Aberdeen and Glasgow will be the venues for public meetings and Ministerial engagements - as well as the Cabinet meeting itself - during the Parliament's summer recess period.
This follows on from last year's ground-breaking Summer Cabinet programme where several hundred people attended events in Dumfries, Inverness, Pitlochry and Skye.
As well as the formal Cabinet Meeting, Ministers will take part in National Conversation public meetings, host Homecoming receptions, and undertake visits and engagements around each visit.
The schedule is:
- June 29 and 30 - Dundee
- July 27 and 28 - Melrose
- August 3 and 4 - Stornoway
- August 17 and 18 - Aberdeen
- August 31 and September 1 - Glasgow
The First Minister said:
"Last summer, the enthusiasm and interest that local communities showed in taking part in the programme of Cabinet events was hugely impressive, and brought government closer to the people.
"I believe it is vital that we do all we can to take government to our communities, discussing issues - local and national - with members of the public right across Scotland. That is even more important this year, as we work together to fight recession.
"Our summer Cabinet programme allows the Ministerial team to hear the views and concerns of wider Scottish society, helping the Scottish Government keep close to the communities we serve. We also held this programme cost effectively last year. Our entire programme of Cabinet meetings outwith Edinburgh cost less than one of the UK Cabinet meetings held outside London.
"Having the entire Cabinet in one room to 'button-hole' them on the issues that matter most to individuals and their communities is something that was widely welcomed last year, and we look forward to developing these opportunities this year with the people of Dundee, the Borders, the Western Isles, Aberdeen and Glasgow."
Full details for each visit will be announced soon (including timings and venues), but the key elements of all five programmes will be:
- A formal meeting of the Scottish Cabinet (and a post-Cabinet briefing for the media);
- A National Conversation public meeting based around the Scottish Government's aspirations, with the opportunity to formally question Ministers at a Q&A session, followed by informal discussion opportunities afterwards;
- A reception to mark the Year of Homecoming, celebrating the efforts of local individuals and organisations who are involved in the comprehensive Homecoming programme.
- A series of local visits and engagements by Ministers.