Members of the public are being invited to UWS’s Paisley campus next week for an event that will explore some of the biggest issues facing voters ahead of the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday 7 May.

The free event, taking place on Wednesday 29 April, will bring together expert voices for an impartial discussion on some of the key areas influencing this year’s election and what they could mean for Scotland’s future.

Hosted by Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, the panel will feature The Scotsman’s Catriona Stewart, Professor Murray Leith, Dr Anna McKeever, Dr Emilia Pietka-Nykaza (all from UWS) and Dr Sean Kippin of the University of Stirling.

Discussions will look beyond election campaigning to examine the wider forces shaping Scotland’s political landscape, including voter behaviour, polling trends, migration, demographic change and political realignment. It will also consider what this year’s election may tell us about the future trajectory of the Scottish Parliament.

Aimed at current and prospective students, staff and the local community, the event is designed to give voters the chance to hear informed analysis at a time when political debate can feel fast-moving and confusing.

The hour-long session will include opening remarks, a panel discussion and an audience Q&A, with topics expected to include how voter behaviour may be changing and how Scotland’s political direction fits into a wider UK and global context.

Professor James Miller Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “UWS is proud to be a place-making institution with a commitment to community engagement, and this event is an important part of that role.

“We want to create a space where people can come together to hear informed and impartial discussion on the issues they really care about.

 

In the week running up to  polling day, this is an opportunity for people to reflect on the wider context around the election. We hope it will help people feel better informed and more confident in making decisions that are right for them, their families and their communities.

 

The event is free to attend and members of the public are encouraged to come along and take part in the conversation. The event will take place on Wednesday 29 April, 5.30pm–6.30pm. To attend, please register through this Eventbrite link.