Priorities for Scotland's Future: A People-Centred Design
Updated: Oct 6
Scotland is a nation with a proud history and a bright future. As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the coming years, it is important that we set our priorities straight and focus on what really matters to the people of Scotland.
This list represents a people-centred agenda for Scotland's future, grounded in the values of social justice, equality, and sustainability. It is a vision for a Scotland that is inclusive, prosperous, and thriving, where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to the common good.
From tackling climate change to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, from investing in public services to supporting small businesses, these priorities reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of the people of Scotland. They are a testament to the power of community engagement and collaboration, and a call to action for all of us to work together to build a better future for our country and our people.
With these priorities as our guide, we can create a Scotland that is truly a beacon of hope and opportunity, for ourselves and for generations to come.
The issue of independence and treating it as an urgent priority for the Scottish people
The emphasis on investment in new and green technologies rather than fiscal tightness to grow the economy
An understanding that we have to both grow our tax base and reform our tax system in an independent Scotland.
A commitment to the abolition of poverty and inequality
A recognition that Scotland will decide, in due course, whether or not to rejoin the EU
The creation of a Scottish National Housing Company to create quality homes for low rents
The creation of a Scottish National Renewables Company to drive the Green New Deal and ensure that it benefits all Scots
The introduction of a land value tax and a commitment to serious land ownership reform
A recognition that Curriculum for Excellence has had problems as well as successes in our schools - and a promise to review it, and create a bonfire of paperwork and bureaucracy, freeing up teachers to teach.
A commitment to equal rights for all, with no one group's rights being placed above others.?
The development of a comprehensive plan to address climate change, including measures to reduce emissions, increase renewable energy use, and support adaptation efforts.
A commitment to investing in public infrastructure, including transportation, broadband, and public services, to support economic growth and improve quality of life for all Scots.
A focus on promoting and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship, including measures to increase access to capital and reduce barriers to entry.
A commitment to investing in education and skills development, including measures to improve access to higher education and vocational training, to ensure that all Scots have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
A recognition of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, and a commitment to investing in mental health services and support.
A commitment to promoting social justice and equality, including measures to address discrimination and inequality in all its forms.
A recognition of the importance of community engagement and participation in decision-making, and a commitment to empowering communities to have a greater say in the issues that affect them.
A commitment to protecting and promoting Scotland's unique cultural heritage, including support for the arts and creative industries.
A focus on promoting sustainable tourism and responsible use of natural resources, to support economic growth while preserving Scotland's natural beauty.
A recognition of the importance of international cooperation and collaboration, including a commitment to building strong partnerships with other nations and working towards shared goals.
A commitment to improving public health, including measures to reduce health inequalities, increase access to healthcare, and promote healthy lifestyles.
A focus on promoting innovation and research and development, to drive economic growth and improve quality of life for all Scots.
A commitment to reducing crime and improving community safety, through measures such as increased police resources, community policing, and crime prevention programs.
A recognition of the importance of affordable and accessible childcare, to support families and enable parents to work.
A focus on promoting and supporting sustainable agriculture and fishing practices, to ensure the long-term health of Scotland's environment and economy.
A commitment to improving public transportation, including measures to reduce congestion, increase access to public transit, and promote active transportation options such as walking and cycling.
A recognition of the importance of social care and support for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, and those with mental health challenges.
A focus on promoting and supporting innovation in the healthcare sector, to improve patient outcomes and support economic growth.
A commitment to promoting and supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.
A recognition of the importance of affordable housing, and a commitment to increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing for all Scots.
A focus on promoting and supporting the growth of the technology sector, including measures to attract and retain talent, support startups, and foster innovation.
A commitment to improving education outcomes for all Scots, including measures to reduce the attainment gap and improve access to educational opportunities.
A recognition of the importance of early childhood education and care, and a commitment to increasing access to quality early learning opportunities for all children.
A focus on promoting and supporting Scotland's creative industries, including measures to increase funding for the arts and support cultural events and festivals.
A commitment to promoting and supporting community-based initiatives, including measures to support community-led development and promote social enterprise.
A recognition of the importance of international trade and investment, and a commitment to promoting Scotland as an attractive destination for business and investment.
A focus on promoting and supporting lifelong learning, including measures to increase access to adult education and vocational training opportunities.
A commitment to promoting and supporting Scotland's natural environment, including measures to protect and enhance biodiversity, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable land use practices.
A recognition of the importance of promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion, including measures to address discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all Scots.
A focus on promoting and supporting Scotland's tourism industry, including measures to increase funding for tourism promotion and support sustainable tourism practices.
in the context of a people's assembly with direct democracy:
A commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all, with a focus on preventative care and mental health support.
A commitment to democratic participation, with a focus on engaging all Scots in decision-making processes at all levels of government.
A recognition of the importance of local community empowerment, including measures to increase community-led initiatives and decision-making.
A commitment to promoting and supporting cooperative business models, to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably across society.
A recognition of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, and a commitment to increasing access to mental health services and support.
A focus on promoting and supporting local food systems, including measures to increase the availability of healthy, locally-grown food.
A commitment to promoting and supporting social housing, to ensure that all Scots have access to safe, affordable housing.
A recognition of the importance of cultural heritage and preservation, and a commitment to protecting and promoting Scotland's rich cultural history.
A focus on promoting and supporting the growth of the social enterprise sector, including measures to increase funding and support for social enterprises.
A commitment to promoting and supporting diversity in all its forms, including measures to address discrimination and promote inclusion for all Scots.
A recognition of the importance of intergenerational solidarity, and a commitment to supporting initiatives that bring different generations together.
A focus on promoting and supporting sustainable tourism, including measures to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and promote responsible travel.
A commitment to promoting and supporting the growth of community-led renewable energy projects, to increase local control over energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
A recognition of the importance of community-based healthcare, and a commitment to supporting the development of community health clinics and other community-led healthcare initiatives.
A focus on promoting and supporting the development of local currencies, to increase economic resilience and support local businesses.
A commitment to promoting and supporting local transport initiatives, including measures to increase access to public transit and promote active transportation options such as walking and cycling.
A recognition of the importance of affordable and accessible childcare, and a commitment to increasing access to quality childcare for all families.
A focus on promoting and supporting the growth of worker cooperatives, to ensure that workers have greater control over their working conditions and a greater share of the benefits of economic growth.
A commitment to promoting and supporting the development of community land trusts, to ensure that land is used in the interests of local communities rather than private interests.
A recognition of the importance of access to justice, and a commitment to increasing access to legal services and support for all Scots.
A focus on promoting and supporting the growth of community-led initiatives to combat social isolation and loneliness.
A commitment to promoting and supporting the development of community-led waste reduction initiatives, to reduce waste and increase recycling rates.
A recognition of the importance of community-led initiatives to address climate change, and a commitment to supporting the development of community-led climate action plans.
A focus on promoting and supporting the development of community-led initiatives to support local agriculture and fishing.
A commitment to promoting and supporting the growth of community-led initiatives to promote public health and wellbeing.
A recognition of the importance of access to affordable and high-quality education, and a commitment to increasing access to education for all Scots.
A focus on promoting and supporting the growth of community-led initiatives to promote sustainable forestry practices.
A commitment to promoting and supporting the development of community-led initiatives to support the mental health and wellbeing of Scots.
A recognition of the importance of community-led initiatives to promote active citizenship and democracy.
A focus on promoting and supporting the growth of community-led initiatives to promote biodiversity
A commitment to protecting and promoting Scotland's unique cultural heritage, including its languages, music, art, and history. By investing in cultural institutions, supporting local artists and musicians, and promoting the preservation of historic sites and monuments, Scotland can strengthen its sense of self-sovereignty and celebrate its rich cultural identity. This priority also includes a commitment to promoting and preserving the rights of indigenous communities, recognizing their unique histories and contributions to Scotland's cultural fabric.
If Scotland focuses on these priorities, we could build a nation that is truly prosperous, sustainable, and equitable. A Scotland that prioritises independence, investment in new and green technologies, and tax reform would be well-positioned to meet the challenges of the 21st century, while also ensuring that no one is left behind.
A Scotland that is committed to the abolition of poverty and inequality, as well as equal rights for all, would be a nation that values social justice and human dignity above all else. By promoting and supporting community-led initiatives in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and public health, Scotland could build a truly resilient economy that is rooted in local communities.
A Scotland that prioritises democratic participation and community empowerment could be a nation where every person's voice is heard and valued, and where everyone has a say in the decisions that affect their lives. By promoting intergenerational solidarity and social enterprise, Scotland could build a truly inclusive and sustainable economy that benefits everyone, not just the few.
Ultimately, by focusing on these priorities, Scotland could be a nation that truly embodies the values of compassion, resilience, and innovation. A Scotland that works for the people, by the people, and with the people would be a nation that sets an example for the rest of the world, and that is truly a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
Here is a list of resources related to the priorities that have been listed:
Independence for Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/independence-referendum/
Investment in green technologies: https://www.gov.scot/policies/climate-change/
Tax reform in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/tax/
Tackling poverty and inequality in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/social-justice/poverty-and-inequality/
Scotland's future relationship with the EU: https://www.gov.scot/policies/eu-referendum/
Scottish National Housing Company: https://www.gov.scot/policies/housing/scottish-national-housing-company/
Scottish National Renewables Company: https://www.gov.scot/policies/renewable-energy/scottish-national-renewables-company/
Land value tax and land ownership reform: https://www.gov.scot/policies/land-reform/land-value-tax/
Curriculum for Excellence review: https://www.gov.scot/policies/schools/curriculum-for-excellence/
Equal rights for all in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/human-rights/equal-rights/
Democratic participation in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/government/democracy/
Community-led renewable energy initiatives: https://www.localenergy.scot/
Sustainable agriculture in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/farming-food/sustainable-agriculture/
Public health initiatives in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-health/
Intergenerational solidarity in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/social-justice/intergenerational-solidarity/
Social enterprise in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/social-enterprise/
Accessible and affordable healthcare in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/health-and-social-care-access/
Promoting preventative care in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-health/preventative-health/
Mental health support in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/policies/mental-health/
Preserving Scotland's cultural heritage: https://www.gov.scot/policies/historical-environment/protecting-scotlands-cultural-heritage/
I hope these resources are helpful!