The Gathering 2023

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Part of the The SRITC Gathering 2023 collection

With various ticket options, including an All-Access Pass you can experience all that The Gathering 2023 has to offer over 2 days and evenings in the Scottish Highlands.

By Scottish Rural & Islands Transport Community

It’s hard to believe but it’s been over 3 years since we were last able to organise an in-person Gathering. Way back in September 2019, we got together at The Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa on the Angus coast to discuss all the opportunities and challenges related to rural and islands mobility.

The events that we’ve experienced since then (both global and local) only reinforce the importance of working together to solve the accessibility, affordability and sustainability issues facing rural and islands communities inside and outside Scotland.

For the first time in 3 years, we have an opportunity to gather in person to reflect on how our communities have changed since 2019 and the actions that are being taken to improve the provision of transport services and reduce car dependency.

In keeping with the true spirit and ethos of SRITC, we’re holding The 2023 Gathering in the Scottish Highlands so you can experience first-hand the wonderful hospitality on offer while soaking up the landscape and learning about how local people and businesses survive and thrive without easy access to affordable transport services.

This year the Gathering will be spread over 2 days. While we appreciate that not everyone will be able to join us for the duration, we’ve created the All-Access Pass for those who can.

THE PROGRAMME

WEDNESDAY 10th MAY

THE WARM UP

VENUES – VARIOUS

14:00 – 16:00 – Visits local attractions including Strathspey Steam Railway in Aviemore and the Tomatin Community Hub

18:00 – 23:00 – Buffet dinner followed by whiskey, gin and beer tasting at The Speyside Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey

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THURSDAY 11TH MAY

THE MAIN EVENT

VENUE – BOAT OF GARTEN COMMUNITY HALL

9:45 -10:15 – Coffee/Tea & Networking

10:15 -10:20 – Welcome

10:20 -11:15 – Panel Session 1 – Innovations in Rural Mobility

11:20 -12:20 – Panel Session 2 – Decarbonisation of Rural Transport

12:20 -13:15 – Lunch & Rural Mobility Showcase

13:15 – 14:15 – Panel Session 3 – Sustainable Rural Transport

14:15 -14:30 – Coffee/Tea

14:30 – 16:00 – Workshop Sessions – Developing & Rural Mobility Plan

16:00 – 16:15 – Wrap Up & Close

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THE DINNER, DANCE & AWARDS CEREMONY

VENUE – BOAT OF GARTEN COMMUNITY HALL

18:30 – Arrival Drinks

19:00 – 21:00 – Dinner & Awards Ceremony

21:00 – 23:30 – Ceilidh Dance

23:30 – Carriages

THE MAIN EVENT

PANEL SESSIONS

10:20 -11:15 – Session 1 – Innovations in Rural Mobility

In this first session of the day, we’ll be joined by experts working within the rural innovation ecosystem to discuss the role that technology and policy is playing in developing conventional and unconventional mobility services that are more accessible, affordable and sustainable. Confirmed panel members are as follows:

11:20 -12:20 – Session 2 – Decarbonisation of Rural Transport

The second session of the day will discuss the steps being taken to accelerate the decarbonisation transport networks in rural and island communities via increased use of shared mobility services, and the consolidation of passengers and parcels.

13:15 -14:15 – Session 3 – Sustainable Rural Transport

The final panel session at The Gathering will convene local, regional and international practitioners to share their experiences and perspectives on practical solutions that are being implemented to make it easier for locals and visitors to adopt more sustainable modes of transport.

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