Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, will be making the closing speech at the first ever Perthshire Pride event.

The event, which takes place on August 11th at Perth Concert Hall, will play host to live music and stalls, whilst also offering space for local councillors, employers and health officials to engage and network with attendees. 

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“I am hugely honoured to be providing the closing remarks at this year’s Perthshire Pride event

“Perthshire Pride is an important landmark in Scotland’s ongoing fight for equality. I am proud to be part of a Scottish Government which has sought to address injustice and promote tolerance, love and respect towards and amongst the LGBTQ community.

“There has undoubtedly been progress made both socially and in legislative terms – most notably the legalisation of same sex marriage. It is important to acknowledge, however, that those within the LGBTQ community still experience discrimination and harassment far too frequently.

“I will therefore be joining my fellow Pride attendees both in celebration and in protest. I would encourage all those within the Perthshire to attend the event and stand in solidarity with our friends in the LGBTQ community.” 

The Deputy First Minister’s attendance comes just weeks after the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, was named the honorary grand marshal of Pride Glasgow. In doing so, she became the only serving prime minister or first minister in the UK to have led a Pride event.