Lesley Riddoch talks about Scottish Votepods
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We have now completed 6 Big Debates and everyone has been kind enough to thank us for our efforts. That's great and we appreciate it. However, we would like to hear your personal story. If you were an organiser, a participant, a member of the audience or even a panelist, what did you think ? If you have watched the video clips on YouTube or listened via iTunes, what was it like for you ? Did the event work for you ? Are you feeling more connected to the issues ? Do you think this method of engagement works ? Lots of people have expressed opinions - let's have a debate about the Big Debates. After we all need to connect. Right.
The Big Cairngorm Debate in Aviemore took place at the new MacDonald Highland Resort, one of the developments built to boost the area. Over 200 people tackled a panel of politicians on a range of election issues including, National Parks, the environment and housing.
As usual, we have broken the debate down into managable sections that you can listen and view directly on this page. You can also view videos on the Scottish VotePod Channel on You Tube, subscribe to the audio podcasts on iTunes or directly download the audio files. Our audio clips allow you to listen to the discussion in detail, while the videos will feature shorter highlight clips.
On the panel were
Danny Alexander Liberal Democrat
Fergus Ewing Scottish National Party
Mary Scanlon Conservative Party
Eleanor Scott Green Party
Linda Stewart Labour Party
AUDIO
Section 1: The most pressing issue in the Cairngorms is the affordability of housing for local, particularly young, people. The first question came from Ian Brodie of the Scottish Enterprise Party
Download the file here.
Section 2: One younger member of the audience was not impressed with what he'd heard from the panel.
Download the file here
Section 3: The next question raised issues of access to the plateau of Cairngorm from the funicular railway that takes tourists and others up the mountain.
Download the file here.
Section 4: The discussion then considered the conflict between the leisure interests such as mountain biking and the protection of wildlife.
Download the file here.
Section 5: The proposals for many more wind farms in the Highlands and the running of giant pylons through the National Park provoked passionate debate amongst both politicians and audience.
Download the file here.
Section 6: The debate concluded with questions about care of the elderly and the particular difficulties faced in rural areas.
Download the file here
VIDEO
Here are clips of some of the audience putting their points and questions to the panel.
The Cairngorm audience were pretty vocal in wanting to discuss housing. These extended clip give you an idea of how the panelists took this tough subject on.
After Fergus Ewing and Linda Stewart, it was the turn of Danny Alexander and Mary Scanlon to offer their views on providing affordable housing for local people.
Videos produced by Chris Smith
While we want as many people as possible to attend the events, we realise that not everybody will be able to go. So if you've got a question you want to ask or an issue that you would like Lesley to raise, please let us know. We'll do our best to include them at the event.
You can contribute here or by clicking on the comments tab at the bottom of each individual entry on this site. If you prefer, you can e-mail us directly.
Don't just sit there - get involved and Shape the Debate.
Here is the list of events with date and location.
For ticket requests contact us or where listed below the local organiser. Not all events require tickets.
Further details of participants, musicians, timing and arrangements for tickets etc will be announced as and when they are confirmed.
• March 19th The Big Student Debate – McEwan Hall, Edinburgh University. Starts at 12 Noon.
No tickets required. Stand-up comedy from Janey Godley. Organised by Edinburgh University Students Association.
• April 12th The Seniors Big Debate, 2.00pm Albert Halls, Stirling. Music from Sheena Wellington. Organised by West of Scotland Seniors Forum.
• April 16th The Big Wellbeing Debate – AK Bell Theatre, Perth. Starts 7.30. Ticket arrangements to follow. Music from St. Andrew of the Woolen Mill (including Michael Marra and Kevin Murray). This event is organised by the Perth Association for Mental Health.
• April 17th The Big Green Debate - The Hub, Edinburgh. Starts 7.30. No tickets - entry first come, first served. Musical entertainment from Capercaille. The event is organised by the EveryOne campaign
• April 19th The Big Energy Debate - Caird Hall, Dundee. Solar Cities Scotland is hosting this debate on the evening of Thursday 19th April 2007. There will be an energy fair and music from the Hazey Janes. Tickets are free but limited. Email the local organiser.
• April 20th The Big Cairngorm Debate - MacDonald Aviemore Centre. Doors open 7.00 for 7.30pm start. Music from Babelfish. The event will be advertised locally and tickets are required. Organised by The Inner Wheel of Spey Valley there will be a small charge, proceeds going to charity. Please email local organiser.
• April 23rd, The Big Grey Power Debate - Banqueting Hall, City Chambers, Glasgow. 2.00pm. Music from Sheena Wellington. No tickets required. Organised by the Scottish Pensioners Forum.
• April 25th The Big Neighbourhood Debate – 7.00pm, Ocean Terminal, Leith.
• April 26th The Big Island Debate – 7.00pm, Aros Centre, Music from Babalfish.
• April 30th The Big Work Debate – 7.00pm, Main Lecture Theatre, Abertay University, Dundee. Music from Sheena Wellington. Free tickets by emailing the organisers Dundee Voluntary Action or phone 0138 2221545
Have you been to one of the Big Debates or have you watched or listened to any of it online. We'd love to get some feedback. Click on the debate above and scroll down to post your comment.
You can still help shape the remaining debates by asking a question or raising on issue. Contribute here
You can also e-mail us.
