UNISON ‘powers up’ at Belladrum

UNISON young members and learning activists joined with full-time staff to take UNISON’s message that there is an alternative to public service cuts to the Tartan Heart Music Festival at Belladrum near Inverness.

“This is the first time we have tried anything like this in Scotland, and it worked really well,” said Philippa Clark, Highland Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator.

“The Belladrum Festival attracts 12,000 people from all over Scotland so it was a great opportunity to get our message across and hear first hand what the festival goers had to say about the cuts to their services.”

As well as giving out UNISON balloons, leaflets, t-shirts and freebies, UNISON was also well-represented in the debating tent. Full time officer Peter Hunter put forward UNISON’s case for defending public services and its alternatives to the cuts. And Highland young member, Jenny Roberts spoke in the “Votes at 16” debate.

“These inputs generated a lot of discussion,” said Philippa, adding that people were then invited to put their own ideas on luggage tags.

“These showed that people do value their public services, with NHS, care for the elderly and schools top of the list.

“We made lots of good contacts, especially amongst younger people and we were able to tell them about learning opportunities in the trade unions, so it was a very worthwhile event.” added Philippa.

“Would we do it again? Absolutely!”

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