Salmond hears young Scots' views
First Minister Alex Salmond heard young people's views on Scotland's future at a special event.
More than 100 young people took part in the National Discussion Day, which is part of the Scottish Government's National Conversation.
Mr Salmond started the proceedings and said: "Today (Wednesday) young people prove their value, ambition and enthusiasm for Scotland."
Mr Salmond started the proceedings and said: "Today (Wednesday) young people prove their value, ambition and enthusiasm for Scotland."
More than 5,000 young people have already completed an online questionnaire on Scotland's future in a consultation run by Young Scot and about 1,000 young people have taken part in a number of local events.
Mr Salmond said: "The energy with which the Young Scot consultation has been met sends a clear signal that our citizens of the future want to play a part in the decisions that affect them, their families and their communities."
The First Minister said the UK Government's reponse to the issue of constitutional change had been "disappointing and negative".
But he said: "The willingness of our young people to debate and consider the choices they face and the responsibilities they involve is a great sign of hope for the future in every aspect."
Schools minister Maureen Watt and parliamentary business minister Bruce Crawford were also involved in the event at the Jam House in Edinburgh, along with Young Scot chief executive Louise Macdonald, Professor Susan Deacon, Lara Friedman of Scottish Business in the Community, Neil Stevenson of the Law Society Scotland, and Andrew MacQueen, a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
Mr Salmond said: "The energy with which the Young Scot consultation has been met sends a clear signal that our citizens of the future want to play a part in the decisions that affect them, their families and their communities."
The First Minister said the UK Government's reponse to the issue of constitutional change had been "disappointing and negative".
But he said: "The willingness of our young people to debate and consider the choices they face and the responsibilities they involve is a great sign of hope for the future in every aspect."
Schools minister Maureen Watt and parliamentary business minister Bruce Crawford were also involved in the event at the Jam House in Edinburgh, along with Young Scot chief executive Louise Macdonald, Professor Susan Deacon, Lara Friedman of Scottish Business in the Community, Neil Stevenson of the Law Society Scotland, and Andrew MacQueen, a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
