Sir Tom Hunter is speaking at Scotland 2050

SCOTLAND 2050 NEWSLETTER

Building Scotland’s Future | September 2026 Update

Hello,

What a moment to be building something like Scotland 2050.

Following our landmark conference on 2 June at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, the team has been busy laying the foundations for an even bigger and bolder 2027. And there is a lot to share.

In the months since the May election, we are seeing real signs that the conversation Scotland 2050 has been leading is gaining traction across civic and political life in Scotland. The challenges we have been raising: housing supply, long-term economic planning, NHS reform, infrastructure investment, and the need to retain talent, are now firmly on the agenda.

We have some exciting announcements to share in this edition, so read on. As always, if you want to be part of the conversation about Scotland's future, my door is open.

Best wishes,
Barrie

Founder, Scotland 2050

SAVE THE DATE + SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT

We are delighted to confirm that the next Scotland 2050 conference will take place on Tuesday 8 June 2027 and we are equally thrilled to announce that Sir Tom Hunter will be among our speakers.

One of Scotland's most celebrated entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Sir Tom has been one of the most powerful voices for economic ambition in Scotland, calling for a bold reset of the country's approach to growth, taxation and support for entrepreneurs. His thinking aligns closely with the Scotland 2050 manifesto and his presence will make for one of the most compelling conversations the conference has yet produced.

Full programme details including further speakers will be announced in the coming months. Make sure you are signed up to hear first.

👉 Register your interest at scotland-2050.co.uk

GROWING TEAM SCOTLAND 2050

Welcome Emilija and Sarah!

We are delighted to welcome two exceptional new members to the team.

Emilija Morrison joins us as Strategy, Content and Youth Co-ordinator. A graduate of the University of Glasgow, Emilija previously spent two years as Editor of The Tab Glasgow, reporting from COP26 and covering stories picked up by national outlets. She was selected for the Bloomberg Journalism Diversity Programme in 2024 and brings hands-on experience in social video and youth engagement, exactly the energy Scotland 2050 needs as we grow our reach across the country.

Sarah Boyack joins as Strategic Advisor. A true stalwart of Scottish politics, Sarah was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and stepped down in May 2026 after an extraordinary career spanning roles as Minister for Transport and the Environment, Deputy Minister for the Environment and Rural Development, and Scottish Labour's Spokesperson for Net Zero, Energy and Just Transition. Before entering politics, Sarah was a town planner and lecturer, and between parliamentary terms served as Head of Public Affairs at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations. Her depth of experience and cross-party respect will be invaluable to Scotland 2050.

👉 Meet the full team at scotland-2050.co.uk

MANIFESTO IMPACT

Our manifesto is helping shape the conversation

When Scotland 2050 published its manifesto earlier this year, we sent a copy to all 129 MSPs. The response was encouraging. And as we look at the manifestos published by Scotland's political parties ahead of the May 2026 election, the fingerprints of our agenda are visible.

Both the SNP and Scottish Labour pledged to deliver 25,000 new homes per year, a target that aligns directly with the Scotland 2050 manifesto's endorsement of the Homes for Scotland housing goal. Scottish Labour committed to an industrial strategy for Scotland, working alongside the UK Government's wider plan, language that echoes our own call for a long-term, cross-party economic strategy. Across the parties, there was renewed focus on NHS reform and rehabilitation, planning reform and fiscal devolution, all areas the Scotland 2050 manifesto put front and centre.

We believe that bold, non-partisan civic conversations move the dial and the evidence suggests they are doing exactly that. There is still much to do, and that is precisely why Scotland 2050 in 2027 matters.

👉 Read the full Scotland 2050 manifesto

CALL FOR SPEAKERS AND VOLUNTEERS

Shape the 2027 Programme

We are now welcoming expressions of interest from speakers and volunteers for Scotland 2050 2027. We are looking for voices from across Scottish life, from business, public services, academia, the arts, community leadership and beyond, who have something meaningful to contribute to the conversation about Scotland's future.

If you would like to speak, volunteer, or help us build the programme, we would love to hear from you.

📧 hello@scotland-2050.co.uk

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open

Sponsoring Scotland 2050 is an opportunity to be at the centre of the most important national conversation in Scotland. Our 2027 conference will bring together hundreds of people from business, politics, public services and civic society, united by a passion for Scotland's future.

Sponsorship packages for 2027 are now available. To find out more, get in touch.

📧 hello@scotland-2050.co.uk

SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER

Know someone who cares about Scotland's future?

Forward this newsletter to friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who should be part of the Scotland 2050 conversation. The more voices we bring together, the stronger this movement becomes.

👉 Subscribe at scotland-2050.co.uk

GET IN TOUCH

Barrie always keeps an open door and is genuinely keen to hear views from absolutely everyone who wants to be part of the conversation about Scotland's future.

Whether you want to pitch in as a volunteer, share an idea, or ask a question, drop us a line at: hello@scotland-2050.co.uk

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

The Scotland 2050 Team