CalMac confirmed as primary commercial sponsor for Scottish Rural Parliament
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), has been confirmed as the primary commercial sponsor for the Scottish Rural Parliament.
The inaugural Scottish Rural Parliament, which takes place in Oban in November, aims to give rural communities a stronger voice in decision-making.
The event will bring together around 400 community people and decision-makers from public bodies, NGOs and private bodies, with the aim of improving rural policy and finding better ways of providing services.
CalMac has a long established record of supporting community-based events across its network, including the Royal National Mòd, the Stornoway-based Hebridean Celtic (HebCelt) and Tiree Music festivals, the Colonsay Book Festival and Cumbrae Country and Western Festival.
John Hutchison, chair of Scottish Rural Action which is the body responsible for organising the Rural Parliament, was pleased to welcome the company aboard.
He said: "We are delighted to be receiving sponsorship from Caledonian MacBrayne for this landmark event.
"Rural communities are reliant upon good transport links and businesses who understand their needs.
"Sponsorship from this essential service provider indicates a positive commitment to rural."
Martin Dorchester, CalMac managing director, said: "We were delighted to be given the opportunity to sponsor the first ever Scottish Rural Parliament and are keen to use it to underline that CalMac’s role in remote communities goes way beyond simply providing a ferry service.
"The company is a major employer and procurer of local goods and services, playing a critical part as a key economic enabler in the day to day life of some of Scotland’s most fragile and remote island and peninsular communities.
"We are looking forward to engaging with representatives from across our network to learn more about the challenges they face and to contributing to discussions on the needs of rural communities."
The national event includes visits to local projects; workshops on the key themes chosen by rural communities; entertainment from Karen Matheson, Skipinnish and others; and locally produced food and drink.
