Time For Action
One Parliament. One Promise
As a new parliament convenes, Scotland faces a defining moment. Our climate is changing, our communities are under pressure, and the future of our land hangs in the balance. Vague promises are no longer enough. In this final element of my Creative Scotland supported If Place Mirrors Who We Are, What Does It Reflect? project I invite every newly elected Member of the Scottish Parliament to step up to the challenge in a ‘Call to Action’ artivism.
The Proposition: A Simple, Individual, Public Commitment
The Call to Action invites every new MSP to adopt and champion ‘one tangible, focused commitment’ for their term in office – a promise that serves the people, restores nature, and safeguards the future of our land. A commitment as an individual, not just towing the party line. To move beyond generalised statements and into the realm of accountable action. It asks each of our leaders to choose a cause, make it their own, and allow their progress to be seen.
“This is a simple but demanding proposition, To choose something that matters. Stand behind it. And demonstrate, over time, what meaningful political responsibility looks like -not only for constituents, but for the living systems we are part of.”
This initiative recognises that Scotland’s land is not merely a backdrop for policy, but a living, contested space. Every decision about ownership, use, and value shapes our collective future – from our biodiversity and climate resilience to the vitality of our rural communities.
Accountability Through Action
This is not about adversarial politics; it is about building a stronger democracy. Further to the MSP’s, environmental organisations, community groups, and the public are invited to participate by tracking these commitments and making their own pledges. By making progress visible, we can foster a more informed, sustained dialogue about what is working and why. This shared civic process strengthens accountability and grounds political action in the real world.
An Invitation to Lead
This is not a campaign for a single issue or ideology. It is an proactive, open invitation to our elected leaders to act with clarity, lead with conviction, and be held accountable.
The legacy of this parliament will be defined not by the volume of laws it passes, but by the courage of its members to make a promise and keep it. It will be measured by their dedication to a Scotland where both people and nature can thrive. Indeed, the actions taken during this administration, or lack of them, could have consequences far beyond Scotland’s borders and the current generation.
The Call Itself
The call itself was in the form of a multi element, limited edition, ‘invitation’ to each and every MSP, including the First Minister. It comprised an individually named, wax sealed folder, a pledge card of what each will champion ‘for land, for the people and for nature’, the suggested pledges for which were based on responses received from multiple voices across Scotland who responded to an online questionnaire asking, “If you were First Minister for a Day, what vision, framework or policy would you introduce for people, for nature and for the land?” The final elements of the pack included a packet of Scottish sourced wild flower seeds (because every small action is a step towards a positive future), and a future ‘teller’, which you are invited to download, print and play with yourself.
