MCALPINE SHOWS MEDIA MATTERS FOR POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

South of Scotland MSP and ex Sunday Times Scotland editor Joan McAlpine will put her expertise to good use when she leads a media workshop this Saturday.

 

A part of the Scottish Parliament Communities Conference taking place in the Easterbrook Hall this Saturday, the interactive workshop aims to show people how to get their voices heard by securing media stories and running effective social media campaigns.

 

McAlpine began her career at the Greenock Telegraph in 1987. In 2000 she was appointed editor of The Sunday Times Scotland and the following year became deputy editor of The Herald.  In 2006 she became the features editor for the Sunday Times Scotland before becoming a list MSP for the south of Scotland.

 

Formerly a columnist for The Scotsman, she currently writes a weekly column for the Daily Record.

 

Commenting, the SNP MSP said:

 

“I’m really looking forward to meeting with local people and organisations and showing them how to get their message across in the media.

 

“The media can be a really effective way to engage with the wider community, raise awareness with politicians and can result in a wide range of actions, including debates, law changes and policy direction.

 

“It’s so important that people across the region know that they have a voice and how to get their message across effectively, and I hope I can help facilitate that.” 

 

In addition to Ms McAlpine, other MSPs leading workshops on the day include Alex Fergusson MSP for Galloway, Elaine Murray MSP for Dumfriesshire, Chic Brodie, MSP for South Scotland; John Wilson, MSP for Central Scotland; Graeme Pearson, MSP for South Scotland and Aileen McLeod,  Minister for Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform.

 

To book your free place on this workshop or any of the others running throughout the day please email Alice Noble at the Scottish Parliament: alice.noble@scottish.parliament.uk or call her on 0131 348 5401. 

 

Notes to Editors:

 

Scottish Parliament Communities Conference: Understanding & Influencing Your Parliament 

Saturday 21^st February (10am-3.30pm) Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries 

A range of workshops – led by MSPs and expert panellists – all focusing on practical ways to get your issues raised at Holyrood: 

• Engaging with Committees
• Cross Party Groups
• Submitting a Public Petition
• Holding an event or exhibition at Holyrood
• Working with local media
• Social media
• Help Me to Help You: an MSPs view

Completely free of charge. Lunch and refreshments provided. Transport costs reimbursed. 

Booking is essential. Email Alice Noble at the Scottish Parliament: alice.noble@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 0131 348 5401 

For further details on the Scottish Parliament Communities Conference and Dumfries Parliament Day:  

www.scottish.parliament.uk/PDDumfries  

Or Follow us on Twitter: #PDDumfries 

Photographs of the event will be available free of charge.

– See more at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/newsandmediacentre/86259.aspx#sthash.OuweCU95.dpuf