Scottish People’s Meeting (Democracy Festival) Proposal - Expression of Interest
Perth and Kinross Council · 24 June 2026
Back to Finance and Resources Committee — 24 June 2026 and its agenda
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Finance and Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 24 June 2026 Report Title: Scottish People’s Meeting (Democracy Festival) Proposal - Expression of Interest Report Number: 26/188 Report Author: Kirsty Easton, Business Growth Team Leader, Strategy - Economy, Development and Planning Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the Council to express its interest in supporting and/or hosting a Scottish “People’s Meeting” (democracy festival) and to authorise the submission of a formal Expression of Interest to the event organisers. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background/Context 4. Proposals 5. Conclusion 6. Impact and Value Assessment 7. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Notes the content of this Report; 2.2 Agrees that the Council will signal its interest in supporting and/or hosting a Scottish “People’s Meeting” (democracy festival), with any associated financial implications to be reported back to a future meeting of this Committee once business case is developed and external funding secured;
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2.3 Authorises the Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning to submit a formal Expression of Interest to the organisers. 3. Background/Context 3.1 Since the late 1960s, democracy festivals have been convened in a number of countries, particularly within the Nordic region, to encourage greater public participation in democratic processes. 3.2 The Danish Folkemødet, held annually on the island of Bornholm, attracts over 100,000 visitors and is widely recognised as a leading example of democratic engagement. The event has: - Promoted informal and accessible political discussion - Contributed to reducing political polarisation - Generated significant economic benefits for the host community 3.3 The concept reflects a growing recognition of the importance of fostering respectful, inclusive debate within contemporary democratic life. 4. Proposals 4.1 A volunteer-led group, with strong links between Scotland and Denmark, is developing proposals for a Scottish “People’s Meeting”. Key individuals involved include: • Martijn Quinn (European Commission) • Katrine Feldinger (Scottish Government Nordic Office) • Fiona Ross (Folkemødet organiser) • Cameron Stedman (University of Glasgow) 4.2 The event would bring together politicians, civic organisations, businesses and the public in an open and informal setting to promote democratic participation. 4.3 The proposed timing for the inaugural Scottish People’s Meeting is late May 2027. Delivery would need to take account of key constraints, including a 10- 12 months preparation period and the proximity to the Scottish local elections on 6 May 2027. As such, the initial event may be delivered as a pilot, with a full-scale event envisaged for 2028. 4.4 Potential locations under consideration include Pitlochry or Perth within Perth and Kinross, or Rothesay in Argyll and Bute. 4.5 Officers have briefed the Executive Leadership Team, which supported progression, and Council Political Group Leaders, who indicated in-principle support. A stakeholder meeting, organised by the promoters, took place on 6 March 2026 at the Royal Society of Edinburgh and was attended by a wide range of organisations, demonstrating strong cross-sector interest. The
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Council was represented by Councillors Massie and Duff, and Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning. 4.6 The organisers also invited Council representatives to attend the Folkemødet event in Denmark from 11–13 June 2026. Councillor Massie and Kirsty Easton, Business Growth Team Leader, attended. The Council met the cost of travel from Scotland to Denmark, with accommodation and local transport provided by the organisers. 4.7 Discussions have also taken place between the organisers and the Council’s Events Team, focusing on practical delivery considerations. 4.8 Based on discussions with the organisers during the Council's attendance at the Danish Folkemødet in June 2026, the indicative cost of delivering an inaugural Scottish People’s Meeting is expected to be in the region of £100,000 to £200,000. Organisers advised that early planning for the Danish event was based on a budget of approximately £200,000, although costs and delivery models have subsequently evolved. It is anticipated that efforts will be made to secure contributions from external funding partners and sponsors, which could significantly reduce any direct financial requirement from the Council. The level of Council support will therefore be dependent on the scale of the event, the outcome of funding applications and sponsorship activity, and will be considered in detail through the development of a full business case and reported back to Committee for approval. 4.9 It is proposed that a further report be brought to this Committee once financial implications have been established, with any commitments subject to the development of a full business case and the securing of external funding. The business case would address procurement, licensing, health and safety, data protection requirements, and environmental considerations, including sustainable transport, waste reduction and energy efficiency. 4.10 The event has the potential to deliver significant local economic benefits and to strengthen community and civic engagement in a politically neutral, cross- party environment. It would place a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for underrepresented groups, and aligns with the Council’s Corporate Priorities. 4.11 It is therefore proposed that an Expression of Interest be submitted to position Perth and Kinross as the host location for the first Scottish People’s Meeting in 2027. This would enhance Perth and Kinross’ profile as a centre for civic leadership, inclusive growth and democratic innovation. 5. Conclusion 5.1 The Scottish People’s Meeting presents a significant opportunity to enhance democratic engagement, strengthen civic participation, and support economic development in line with the Council’s Corporate priorities.
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5.2 It is an opportunity to position Perth and Kinross as the host location of the first Scottish People’s Meeting in 2027. 6. Impact and Value Assessment 7.1 N/A as it is at expression of interest stage. 7. Appendices None