Newsletter, September 2026
Building Scotland's Future
September 2026 update: a speaker announcement, two new team members and a call for 2027.
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 and speaker announcement
Sir Tom HunterEntrepreneur and philanthropist
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.
Growing team: welcome Emilija and Sarah
We are delighted to welcome two exceptional new members to the team.
Emilija Morrison
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
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.
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.
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.
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.