THE SNP’s annual conference is set to run from Sunday to Tuesday in Aberdeen with a major debate on the party’s independence strategy dominating the agenda.
But as well as resolutions being discussed in the main event hall, a variety of organisations will be running fringe events at The Event Complex, with discussions being held on everything from the just transition to Scotland’s constitution post-independence.
Here is The National's pick of some of the key fringe events over the weekend.
Reconnecting with the EU
The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) will be hosting a fascinating panel discussion on how Scotland can better cooperate with Europe and subsequently pave the way to re-enter the EU as soon as possible.
A panel including SNP president Michael Russell, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson, Councillor Heather Anderson and David Clarke – chairman of EMiS – will explore the possibilities for closer cooperation.
This will take place on Sunday in meeting room 7 at 12.30pm.
Just transition and energy
There are a variety of events across the weekend discussing how we can move away from using fossil fuels while still protecting people’s livelihoods, while there are other debates about Scotland’s energy potential.
On Sunday at 12.30, Humans At The Heart of a Just Transition – run by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) – will invite a panel to discuss how those affected by change can be involved in shaping it and how we can engage communities more effectively in policy making. MSP Michelle Thompson will feature on the panel which will be chaired by Andy Sloan, fellow of the RSE, in meeting room 2.
Another event entitled Scotland’s Future: A Just Transition for Oil and Gas – hosted by Friends of the Earth Scotland – will discuss key places in which environmental activists, trade unionists, communities and workers can come together to lobby the Scottish Government and campaign collectively for a just transition. This will take place on Monday at 9.15am in meeting room 7.
SSE Renewables will host a “premier” fringe event in conference suite 1A at 12.30 on Monday on unlocking Scotland’s offshore wind opportunity, and if it’s hydrogen that interests you, SGN will host a panel later in the day at 4.30pm on how the gas can help Scotland unlock its potential to drive forward decarbonisation of industry and home heating.
Scotland’s constitution
Earlier this year the Scottish Government proposed the country’s constitution after independence should be a written one, enshrining key rights and principles.
The Institute for Government and UK In a Changing Europe will be jointly hosting a panel on Monday at 12.30pm on what an independent Scotland’s constitution might look like, including how re-joining the EU could fit into the puzzle.
Independence minister Jamie Hepburn and The National columnist Lesley Riddoch will feature on the panel as they delve into this complex subject in meeting room 5.
The motherhood penalty
Charity Pregnant Then Screwed will be tackling the tricky subject of what it describes as ending the "motherhood penalty" on Monday at 4.30pm in meeting room 1.
The discussion will look at a variety of subjects concerning the support and rights of parents in our society – from parental leave reform to childcare and flexible working.
A panel featuring Children’s Minister and mother-of-two Natalie Don will delve into the debate before opening the room up for questions, looking at what parents want to see from the government in this area.
Women in local government
Last year The National revealed less than a fifth of Scotland’s councils have a gender balance in their top leadership roles, with a staggering 60% having only a third of administration positions filled by women.
Engender and Elect Her will be hosting a fringe event on how the proportion of women councillors remains stubbornly low and what changes are needed to turn this around.
Equalities minister Emma Roddick will join Councillors Fatima Joji and Katie Hagmann for a lively discussion at 12.30pm on Tuesday in meeting room 2.
For the full programme of fringe events, click here.
