How Ullapool spotlight on bias and misinformation aims to help democracy ahead of Holyrood elections
A PUBLIC event in a Wester Ross village later this week throws the spotlight on misinformation and its impact on democracy.
It aims to empower voters to make informed decisions ahead of the forthcoming Holyrood elections, which will decide the shape of the Scottish Government.
The concept of misinformation and its rapid spread via social media platforms and powerful figures has become a global concern.
The panel discussion and question and answer session taking place at Ullapool Village Hall on Thursday (November 6) has been organised by The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) and is open to all, whether in person or via an online link
It’s part of a series of pre-election events for the public around Scotland ahead of Holyrood elections next May.
The RSE explains: “This session will explore how information is created, shared, and weaponised in the context of a pivotal election.
“We will consider how misinformation spreads, who benefits from it, and what is at stake if we fail to respond.
“The discussion will also focus on how voters can better recognise bias, resist manipulation, and play an active role in shaping a fairer, more resilient democracy.”
It’s part of the Society's Scottish Election Programme, which aims to spark debate on the key issues shaping Scotland’s future, and empower the public to make informed decisions, ahead of the Holyrood election.
Truth, Misinformation and Scotland’s Democratic Future takes place at Ullapool Village Hall, 4 Market St, Ullapool on Thursday from 5.30pm to 7pm.
The panel discussion will be chaired by Professor Martin Hendry. He is Professor of Gravitational Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University of Glasgow and part of the global team of more than 1500 scientists which — together with their colleagues in the Virgo Collaboration — made the first-ever direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, a discovery that was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Physics.
He is a long-standing and passionate advocate for outreach to schools and public audiences and in 2015 was awarded the MBE for his services to the public understanding of science.
Speakers include Dr Elli Loose, research and engagement manager, John Smith Centre; Lucy Beattie, a member of the local community and former SNP candidate for the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross seat in last year’s general election, and Sean Mcnamara, CILIPS director. CILIPS is a Scottish charitable organisation affiliated to CILIP, the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers.
To find out more and register for a live link to the session, see https://rse.org.uk/event/disordered-truth-in-a-democracy/