THE youth branch of the SNP is set to hold an international conference focused on Scotland’s future in Europe.

Young Scots for Independence (YSI) has organised the Our European Future conference to discuss Scotland’s path back to independence and a way back to EU membership.

In the run-up to the event, we spoke to the YSI's international officer, Olaf Stando, who said the conference is about "leaving a light on for Scotland, but not just leaving it on, brightening it up, so that it can be seen all the way in Brussels".

Here’s everything you need to know.


When is the conference?

The conference will take place from May 17 to 18 in Stirling, at Hotel Colessio.

On Friday, the conference will last between 11am to 6:30pm, whilst on Saturday it will run from 12pm to 2pm.

What’s happening at the conference?

A host of panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions have been planned.

Laura Webster, editor of The National, will feature on Saturday’s panel discussion, A year where we can beat the right?: How do progressives win the argument and reclaim the narrative?

A keynote speech is also planned for the second day of the conference, with the speaker still to be announced.

Who organised the conference?

The conference has been organised by the YSI in partnership with the SNP and will form part of the Westminster election campaign, focusing on independence in Europe and meeting the aspirations of young people.

The conference is also officially supported by The National, Yes for EU, and Europe for Scotland.

Who will be at the conference?

A delegation of 25 youth leaders across eight political parties from Germany, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the European Free Alliance will be in attendance, as well as a number of senior SNP MSPs, MPs and general election candidates.

Journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch, SNP MP Tommy Sheppard and Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart MSP are some of the big names in attendance, with the full list of speakers available here.

How can I book tickets?

Tickets can be booked for the Friday conference here, and for the Saturday conference here.