Their discussion focused on the four key areas which had been identified at last year’s inaugural event - education, mental health, transport and city centre development – with the aim of making Stirling a better place to live for everyone.
Part of the day saw the young people put forward their views and ideas as part of Stirling Council’s Big Conversation. The topics were explored in a fun and interactive way through a range of workshops, activities and performances.
Young people attended the event at Stirling University from across 36 primary schools and seven secondary schools, along with various youth organisations.
It was planned, delivered and organised by 29 young people from the Stirling Youth Forum with support from Stirling Council’s Youth Participation Team.
Councillor Susan McGill, Convener of the Children and Young People Committee, said: “It’s vital that the next generation make their voices heard on the issues that concern them, particularly in Scotland’s Year of the Young People.
“Stirling Council want to ensure we hear what young people are saying and use their views help to influence policy, and we are seeking more opportunities to do this.
“Building on the success of last year’s event, this was another tremendous day, with more young people taking part, and it was great to see them engaging in all the various activities and developing new skills.
“The Stirling Youth Forum and all the Council officers deserve enormous credit for their efforts in organising ‘The Gathering’, and I’d also like to thank to all the partners for their support and Stirling University for being superb hosts.”
The Gathering kicked off with speeches from forum chair, Brian Iroegbu, forum member Annie McCaskell and a Stirling Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Angus MacDonald.
The workshops were delivered and supported by a number of organisations including: Barnardo’s, Young Scot Mental Health Ambassadors, LGBT Scotland, Dyslexia Scotland, Active Stirling, CRSEC, Stirling Councils Modern Apprenticeships Team, ScotArt Underbelly, Forth Valley College, Dunblane Centre, McRoberts and Stirling University.
At lunchtime, young people were able to interact with representatives from Voxsio, Stirling’s Youth Team, Uniboob and Stirling’s Youth Forum.
They were also treated to musical performances from Big Noise, forum member Connor Dowell and Rory Clark from Samba Drums, along with a display from Dance Connection.
Councillor Margaret Brisley, Vice-Convener for the Children and Young People Committee, said: “Young People play a valuable role in our communities and we want them to feel empowered, included and respected so they develop into responsible, confident citizens and successful learners.
“Innovative events like this will help them achieve these goals and be the best they can be, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in putting together this fantastic initiative.”