Youth Manifesto for Scotland’s Seas
We want to hear from YOU
The Scottish Parliamentary elections are coming in 2026. Scottish political parties are busy drafting their manifestos, outlining how they plan to address key issues if their MSPs are elected. Our Youth Manifesto is your chance to demand the actions and policies needed to protect and restore our seas. This is your opportunity to ensure decision-makers hear directly from young people about the future of Scotland’s marine environment.
We want to hear from you. Your insights, experiences, and ideas will help form key policy asks for MSPs. We’ll incorporate your contributions—whether as key themes, direct quotes, or case studies—so that decision-makers can’t ignore what young people have to say.
Anyone aged 16-25 who calls Scotland home can contribute.
How to get involved
Join the conversation at one of our in-person or online workshops and help shape the manifesto (and meet other like-minded folk whilst you're at it).
Have your say by taking our short 10 minutes survey (you’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win a signed copy of Hannah Rudd’s book, Britain’s Living Seas).
Spread the word! Help promote the survey. Why not share your views using the hashtag #YM4ScotSeas.
Workshop dates
31st May Glasgow
3rd June Online (Scotland-wide)
17th June Online (Orkney & Shetland)
21st June Inverness
1st July Online (Highlands & Islands)
5th July Dundee
8th July Online (Scotland-wide)
The policy choices we make today about managing and protecting our seas will have lasting consequences. If current trends continue, young people will inherit a world with degraded ecosystems, less biodiversity, and polluted waters. Young people have a right to have their voices heard in shaping the future they want for our seas.
What happens next?
We will use this manifesto to seek pledges from MSP candidates across political parties, asking them to commit to working with young people to advance the key issues identified if elected in May 2026.
Once the new Scottish Government is established, the manifesto will serve as a tool to hold MSPs accountable to their commitments.
Young Sea Changers Scotland will also use the manifesto to shape our own policy advocacy and other activities, ensuring that our work continues to reflect the voices and priorities of young people.
