Fairer Scotland Action Plan

Foreword by Marie-therese Martin and Susan Mcmahon

Poverty Truth Commissioners

What does it take to build a fairer Scotland? How do we start to view each other as part of the solution, not part of the problem? Across the country, people have talked about what needs to change and are waiting to see what happens next.

Through the Poverty Truth Commission, we have been privileged to have been involved in a mutual mentoring programme with some of those involved in rolling out the Fairer Scotland conversation. We have seen the conversation grow up from papers on desks and begin to blossom in communities.

We recognised many of the stories we heard, as they are stories we live with too. We know what it means to live with poverty. Previously we never thought to question our situation - to look at it, to talk about it, to ask why and what could make it better. It was like we were always waiting for the government or someone else to make a change. But we want to know what we can do now. It's our Scotland and we want to make it fairer. That's why we got involved. We don't want to feel ashamed anymore. We want to be part of the change that is needed.

"It's our Scotland and we want to make it fairer."

"Through conversation, we are no longer them and us. No longer unaccountable. No longer strangers. Learning together about dignity, respect and value."

Fairer Scotland has been about going to people where they are and talking together. We know that conversations and relationships change the way we treat each other. Through conversation, we are no longer them and us. No longer unaccountable. No longer strangers. Learning together about dignity, respect and value.

We hope that this report inspires all of us in Scotland to work for a fairer society. A Scotland we can be proud of, where we value each other, instil hope in each other and re-root dignity. And we hope that the conversation we have begun continues. Continues in our living rooms, in our communities and in the places of power - because a fairer Scotland for all of us will not come about without it.

Susan McMahon
Poverty Truth Commissioner

Marie-Therese Martin
Poverty Truth Commissioner