CONFERENCE 2025
Scotland 2050 held its inaugural conference on the 17th of June 2025, at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. The event convened leaders from business, politics, and civic society to foster discussion on Scotland's future aspirations by 2050.
The conference format included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions, designed to address current challenges and explore opportunities for Scotland's future growth.
Scotland 2050 conferences are free, ticketed events open to the public, aiming to include diverse perspectives from various sectors. The conference garnered support from major political parties and involved key stakeholders from both the UK and Scottish governments.
- View the 2025 conference programme
- View the 2025 conference image gallery
message from actor, Brian cox
Actor Brian Cox gives his views on a future Scotland, ahead of the Scotland 2050 conference in Edinburgh on 17 June 2025.
2025 conference Speakers
Bernard Ponsonby, Scotland 2050 host, Scottish broadcast journalist for regional news and current affairs
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland
Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Gaelic
Cherie Blair CBE, KC, Founder, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and Co-Founder and Chair, Omnia Strategy LLP
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
Anas Sarwar, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party
Willie Rennie MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats Spokesperson on Communities, Economy and Education
Daniel Johnson MSP, Scottish Labour Party spokesperson on Economy, Finance and Fair Work
Paul Sweeney MSP, Scottish Labour Party, Deputy Spokesperson on Mental Health and Veterans
Jeane Freeman, Former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport
Mark Griffin MSP, Sottish Labour, Deputy Party Spokesperson on Housing and Local Government
Neil Bibby MSP, Scottish Labour, West Scotland
Gordon Robertson, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Edinburgh Airport
Eddie Barnes, Director of the John Smith Centre