- Report from CfS TU Office, Siobhan McCready
This year's Conference in Liverpool was by far the best I've attended. The atmosphere was electric and there were so many first time delegates, particularly young people.
Our fringe was timetabled to run at the same time John McDonald was speaking, so frankly I didn't expect a turnout. I was therefore surprised to find a full room of people eager to hear our experiences of Scottish politics and ideas for Radical Federalism. It was standing room only for Pauline Bryan, Neil Findlay and Matt Kerr, a fantastic panel.
The discussions were thoughtful, audience engaged and their initial ideas of a radical Scottish political climate pretty much debunked as the realities of a never ending constitutional debate were laid bare.
TWT concept worked well and many younger and local people were signed up to attend workshops and fringes without attending Conference itself. This we know can be a little overwhelming for new members so this type of event was a more relaxed way to engage. It will hopefully bring more people into the Party as activists. Certainly worth considering for Scottish Conference albeit on smaller scale, for now!
Thanks to the Organisers and the Panel who made my job as Chair pretty painless.