Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick is set to lead a workshop on political campaigning for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community in Inverness this Sunday.

Ms Roddick will join local campaign group Highland Pride at Café 1668 in the city centre to deliver the workshop.

During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask Ms Roddick questions on effective ways to contact and lobby elected representatives and participate in a letter-writing session where they will learn how to draft campaign letters advocating for change.

Expressing her excitement for the event, Ms Roddick said:

“I am really looking forward to holding this workshop in partnership with Highland Pride.  I am acutely aware of the difficulties queer people have in making their views known on policy which affects us – there are some groups I very rarely hear from, but I know they’re out there.  Lots of people are very nervous about contacting their elected representatives given the hostile political climate.

“This session is about helping folk understand who represents them, who has responsibility for different issues, and how to get in touch with them effectively.

“We all know just how underrepresented marginalised groups are in policymaking, so it is vital that folk know the avenues they can get involved through, how to make their voices heard, and how they can make real change.

“This workshop is for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ issues, whether you are an activist, have been in the past, or are a member of the community or an ally who just wants to help.

“I encourage anyone who thinks they may be interested to come along for what I hope will be a really enjoyable afternoon.”