Scotland hosts the European Rural Parliament 

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Over the 20-23 October 2025, over 400 rural delegates from over 40 European countries gathered in Inverurie in for the European Rural Parliament (ERP), a participative democratic assembly that shines a spotlight on the power of rural communities.

This is the first time that the ERP has been hosted in a non EU country.

The ERP steering group, led on the ground by Scottish Rural Action, involved a collaboration with ELARD, PREPARE, ERCA and Rural Youth Europe, with support from Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Government.

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands said in advance of the event:

“Hosting the European Rural Parliament in Scotland will be a unique opportunity to showcase rural leadership and exchange vital ideas with our European partners. It reflects our dedication to empowering communities, and to sharing sustainable solutions on an international stage.”

Scottish Rural Network (SRN) were core funders of the event and NorthLink Ferries was a sponsor of the Rural Transport study trip, which involved visits to inspiring community-led projects. Arbikie Distillery hosted the Enterprise and Rural Leadership study trip to Angus, curated by Angus Rural Partnership and involving other inspiring rural enterprises. The Scottish Community Alliance (SCA) provided funding support for study visits, enabling host communities to showcase rural excellence and bring programme themes to life.

Aberdeenshire and the North East Scotland embody many aspects of Scotland’s rural economy and landscapes, and many aspects of rural Europe, in one area and provided an ideal location to host the event. The geographic, cultural and economic diversity of the region “from coast to mountains” presents a rich showcase of the very best in public, business, community, and academic rural innovation

With 29 workshops, panels, and plenaries, and 11 study trips (taking place across Aberdeenshire, Moray, The Cairngorms National Park and Angus) during the four days, delegates explored what it takes to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Rural Europe – one that values community-led innovation, youth participation, and local empowerment. There was a dedicated European Rural Youth Parliament (ERYP), where youth delegates gathered to strengthen relationships with one another and with decision-makers (you can see the full programme here).

Study visit by ERP delegates to a community owned bunkhouse in Portsoy

The event brought together rural activists, youth, policymakers, and entrepreneurs – from 40 countries. Key features of the event included:

  • Main Assembly: Interactive panels, keynotes, workshops, networking, and a “Market of Initiatives” to highlight innovations.
  • Youth Parliament: Designed for young participants aged 16–30, focused on their role in shaping rural and island futures. Find out more.
  • Study Trips: Ten thematic excursions to explore renewable energy, land management, health and wellbeing, food & drink, tourism and more.
  • Cultural Celebrations: Showcase of the North East of Scotland’s rich heritage through music, dance, storytelling and food.
  • Hybrid Accessibility: Online participation to ensure inclusivity and reach.

The European Rural Youth Parliament (ERYP) was a key part of the 6th ERP, where youth delegates gathered to strengthen relationships with one another and with decision-makers including Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands. Young people from the local Aberdeenshire host community, as well as CLLD Youth Local Action Groups and other co-curators of the biennial Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament contributed, taking part in lively conversations.

The event also hosted the first Michael Dower Award presentation. Honouring the legacy of former Professor Michael Dower, and celebrating the efforts of communities and individuals dedicated to improving rural life across Europe, the Michael Dower Award has bestowed the first rural resilience awards for individuals and communities (details of award winners and finalists can be found at the link in the Resources section below).

The ERP culminated in the Declaration of Inverurie, a shared commitment to ensure rural voices continue to shape Europe’s future.

The declaration asserts:

“We, the people of rural Europe, demand a new contract between rural and urban, between citizens and institutions, between nature and society.”

Visit Scotland produced an excellent video of the event which can be view (see above).

Resources

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