Thousands of people from across Scotland are expected to gather in Edinburgh this weekend to call for a fairer, more equal and sustainable country.
The Scotland Demands Better event, taking place on Saturday 25 October, will bring together trade unions, anti-poverty campaigners, environmental activists, charities, faith groups and community organisations.
Organised by the Poverty Alliance, the march will begin at the Scottish Parliament and end at The Meadows, with participants united around three central demands: better jobs with fair pay and conditions, greater investment in essential services such as housing and transport, and stronger social security to provide a solid foundation for everyone’s future.
Campaigners say public frustration is growing over the lack of political action to address inequality, poverty and climate breakdown.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is among those supporting the rally. Its chief executive, Anna Fowlie, said: “It’s shameful that 80 years on, we see poverty and inequality still rife and deep-rooted problems still preventing people from living fulfilling, healthy lives.” She added that Scotland must “invest in good quality work, homes and public services” to ensure wellbeing for all.
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is also taking part, stressing that tackling climate change and poverty must go hand in hand. Its chair, Dr Mike Robinson, said: “To build more resilient societies and protect most people there must be a society-wide vision for climate action that is steeped in tackling existing and future inequalities.”
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is another key supporter, urging political leaders in both Holyrood and Westminster to take bolder action. Associate director Chris Birt said: “With a million people in Scotland living in poverty, including a quarter of a million children, maintaining the status quo is clearly not an option.” He added that urgent policy changes are needed to address child poverty and improve lives.
Ruth Boyle, policy and campaigns manager at the Poverty Alliance, said the event was about “hope and solidarity”, bringing together campaigners for economic and environmental justice. She explained: “The same systems that drive people into financial insecurity are driving climate breakdown, and both are rooted in an economy that isn’t working for people and the planet.”
Saturday’s demonstration aims to send a clear message to policymakers that Scotland needs decisive action to build a fairer, greener and more compassionate future.
