Scottish chaplains debate benefits of devolution

One of Britain's biggest chaplaincy groups is hosting a national conference examining the pros and cons of devolution for Scotland.

Work Place Chaplaincy Scotland is behind the four day event at the University of Stirling entitled "Is Devolution a Winner ?" which began on Monday.

The seminars have attracted some very high profile speakers, including John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, Ewan Aitken, Church of Scotland minister and former Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, and Annabel Goldie, leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

The conference runs until Thursday and over 50 delegates are expected to attend.

National organiser Lewis Rose commented: "We are almost ten years on from devolution, and there are many important issues to be discussed.

"Despite various motions in the Scottish Parliament no one seems to be asking the question, 'Is it a winner ?'.

"It will encourage some blue sky thinking to see what the future really holds for Scotland."

Swinney said: "I welcome the opportunity to participate in the Industrial Mission Association conference.

"The Scottish Government encourages all sectors of civic society to engage in the National Conversation on Scotland's constitutional future.

"The IMA conference provides a further opportunity for Scotland's faith community to consider what constitutional arrangements might best address the social challenges of the future."

The event also serves as the biennial conference of the Industrial Mission Association, an organisation made up of workplace and industrial chaplains across Britain.