Our second Young Scotland Programme of 2021 was held in Dunblane in late September. On the final evening, Louise McCafferty (NHS Fife) was named Scotland Young Thinker of the Year, for her feisty paper on feminism, delivered with great presence at the lectern. Imran Hafeez (NHS Lothian) was runner-up, Fiona Anderson (Age Scotland) was highly commended and Connor Sharp (Skills Development Scotland) was commended. The winning team in the group challenge was Group C: Becky Aitchison, Scottish Parliament, Rhona Munro, Forestry and Land Scotland, Connor Sharp, Skills Development Scotland, and Ashley Skachill, NHS Fife. Click here for photos.

We are all looking forward now to the first post-lockdown Young England and Wales Programme at the end of this month. Click here to meet the delegates. Our final event of 2021 is the Young Ireland Programme (Dunblane, 23 to 26 November – click here for brochure and booking form).

The time has gone so fast it is hard to believe it, but next year is our 20th anniversary. The dates for events in this special year will be available soon – watch this space.