Making It Heard : Delivering the Our Seas Petition to the First Minister
About this Event
Please note the main hand-in event takes place between 11am and 2pm outside Parliament. You are welcome to just join us for this part.
Our Seas Petition Presentation to the First Minister
Join us in Edinburgh for a major moment in the Our Seas campaign, as we come together to present our petition to the First Minister at the Scottish Parliament on the 23rd June.
Over 15,500 people across Scotland have added their names to this call for stronger protection of our seas. This event is about taking that collective voice directly to decision-makers. It is also a chance to stand together as a coalition, meet others involved in the campaign, and show the scale and strength of public support for change.
The day will begin at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, where members and supporters will gather, get organised, and prepare for the hand-in. There will be time to meet others, make placards, and get ready before heading over to the Scottish Parliament as a group.
At Parliament, we will come together outside to welcome the First Minister and deliver the petition in person. This will be supported by short speeches, media activity, and a shared photo moment to capture the scale of the coalition and the public backing behind it.
After the hand-in, there will be time to stay, speak with MSPs, and connect with others across the coalition. We will then return to the Storytelling Centre for lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon programme including a film screening, Q&A, and space to reflect on the next steps for the campaign.
This is designed to be a positive, welcoming and visible moment. Whether you have been closely involved in the campaign or are joining for the first time, you are very welcome.
Outline of the day
- Morning meet-up and preparation at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (from 9.30am)
- Group walk to the Scottish Parliament
- Petition hand‑in to the First Minister, with speeches and media (around midday)
- Opportunity to meet MSPs and connect with others
- Return to the Storytelling Centre for lunch
- Afternoon film screening, Q&A and informal networking
- Event close in the early evening
Please note the main hand-in event takes place between 11am and 2pm outside Parliament. You are welcome to just join us for this part.
Who this is for
This event is open to Our Seas coalition members, supporters, signatories, and anyone who wants to show support for stronger protection of Scotland’s seas.
Notes
- The main hand‑in takes place outdoors at the Scottish Parliament, so please dress for the weather.
- There will be photography and filming during the event.
- Further details on timings and logistics will be shared closer to the date.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrival and welcome (Scottish Storytelling Centre)
Info: Placard making, final updates, and getting organised for the hand-in.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Preparation and briefing
Info: Placard making, final updates, and getting organised for the hand-in.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Walk to Scottish Parliament
Info: We will travel together from the Storytelling Centre to Holyrood.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
MAIN EVENT: Gathering at Scottish Parliament
Info: Coalition members and supporters assemble outside Parliament.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
MAIN EVENT: Arrival of the First Minister
Info: Welcome and introductions.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
MAIN EVENT: Petition presentation, speeches, meeting MSPs and networking
Info: Formal hand-in of the Our Seas petition, followed by short speeches and media activity. Group photo will take place at this point. Opportunity to speak with MSPs, media, and other attendees.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Return to Storytelling Centre
Info: Group heads back to the venue.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Lunch
Info: Lunch and informal time to connect.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Film screening and Q&A
Info: Screening followed by discussion and reflections on next steps.
🕑: 05:00 PM
Close of programme
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
