- Hustings to take place at Pitlochry Festival Theatre following backing by Alan Cumming last year
- Cumming shared details of event with his 853,000 Instagram followers on Friday
Politicians from all major political parties are set to take part in the first ever hustings dedicated to debating rewilding issues, ahead of Scotland’s elections this May.
The Rewilding Nation: Hope for Nature Hustings event is taking place at Pitlochry Festival Theatre on World Rewilding Day, Friday 20 March. It follows the public backing for rewilding last year by Scottish actor and Pitlochry’s Artistic Director, Alan Cumming, who shared details of the event with his 853,000 Instagram followers last Friday.
All six political parties currently represented in the Scottish Parliament have all been invited to take part on the panel. The hustings will be chaired by TV and radio presenter Jennifer Reoch.
The non-partisan event is being organised by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 charities, community groups and rural enterprises. It will give voters the opportunity to compare political visions, ask questions, and understand the commitments each party is willing to make.
Steve Micklewright, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of charity Trees for Life, said: “Scotland is facing a pivotal election in May. With the future of our land, wildlife and communities at stake, the hustings will give the public a direct voice on the need for large-scale nature restoration and the extensive benefits this could bring for people, nature and climate in Scotland.
“We’re also pleased to be holding the hustings in Perthshire, home to the most rewilding spaces in Scotland. By holding it in Pitlochry, we’re also putting rural voices front and centre in holding politicians to account.”
Research has shown that public support in Scotland for rewilding is strong, with 80% believing the Scottish government should implement policies to support rewilding.
You can register your free place at the rewilding hustings here: https://hopefornature.eventbrite.co.uk.
The Rewilding Nation Charter at www.rewild.scot/charter, calling on the Scottish Government to declare Scotland a rewilding nation, has been signed by thousands of people. The campaign has been backed by high-profile names including Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, actor Brian Cox, singer Nathan Evans, and activist Laura Young (Less Waste Laura).
Last year, speaking about the Rewilding Nation campaign to see nature restored across 30% of Scotland’s land and seas, Alan Cumming said: “Scotland could have more forests, healthier seas, and lusher wildlife. Rewilding is how we can make that happen – bringing with it balance, hope, and fantastic opportunity – creating jobs, teaching new skills, and bringing people together to look after Scotland’s future.”
ENDS
Notes to editor
Media contacts:
Ian Morton; 07811 183633; ian.morton@campaigncollective.org
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