YSCS Community Gathering 2026
About this Event
The annual YSCS Community Gathering is back for 2026 and this year we're heading to the capital!
If you're 16-25, living in Scotland and interested in the sea, join fellow Young Sea Changers Scotland members for a relaxed day of skill-building, advocacy planning and socialising in Edinburgh. Our annual gathering is the key moment of the year to get together IRL with the YSCS community, and an amazing opportunity to turn your passion for the underwater world into real action, with the help of the YSCS team and like-minded young people from across Scotland.
We'll hear what other members have been up to, meet a politician, take part in advocacy skills workshops, and have a chance to put our heads together to plan the next steps for youth-led ocean action.
Full programme below!
NB: you don't need to be a YSCS member to attend! If you want to check out what we're all about, we'd love to welcome you to the event!
If you're interested in attending but want to discuss it with the YSCS team, please feel free to get in touch via [email protected].
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrival & Tea and coffee
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome, intros & keynote
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Icebreaker
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Member's Sharing space
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Advocacy skills workshop 1
Info: Choose from: 1) The do's and don'ts of lobbying MSPs with Rea Cris, Open Seas OR 2) Tipping Points: visual storytelling with Rosie Cunningham, illustrator
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Tea & coffee break
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Advocacy skills workshop 2
Info: Choose from: 1) How do we show up for ourselves when advocating for the Ocean? with Freyja Thomson-Alberts, Ocean Conservation Trust OR 2) The Art of Crafting your Campaign Ask with Fanny Royanez, Scottish Seabird Centre
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Lunch
Info: Veggie/vegan lunch is provided - other dietary requirements just let us know!
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:00 PM
MSP Roundtable with Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, MSP for Edinburgh Northern, Lib Dem
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Tea & coffee break
🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:00 PM
Campaign and advocacy planning
Info: Details tbc!
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Closing & goodbye!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 11.55
