CFINE’s Lived Experience Group has been inviting politicians from across the political spectrum to discuss their Manifesto.
CFINE’s Lived Experience Manifesto was created ahead of the 2026 Scottish Elections. It was written collaboratively by CFINE’s Lived Experience Group and CFINE’s development team and influenced by our community of beneficiaries. Setting out a vision for Scotland where no one falls below a set standard of living, everyone has access to essential services and communities have a genuine say in the decisions that affect them.
After meeting with Kevin Stewart MSP in November 2025, the group was invited to the Scottish Parliament. Getting a chance to meet with Kevin and Shirley-Anne Somerville the social justice secretary after attending the First Ministers Questions.
Kirsty Lee, a member of CFINE’s Lived Experience Group has written a blog discussing her experiences of the groups trip to Holyrood. Read her blog below.
Blog by Kirsty Lee Murray
We invited Kevin Stewart to our lived experience group. After a fantastic meeting, discussing our experience and asking how we can make our manifesto a reality, Kevin invited our group to Holyrood. What a wonderful opportunity and experience, how could any of us say no.
All alarms set for 6am. No one wants to be late for our Lived Experience group trip. Our train to Edinburgh leaves at 7.52
For me, the journey on the train was brilliant. It's very expensive to get the train. It's been years since I've been on a train and even longer since I've been on a train to our capital city. Edinburgh Waverley station caught my breath. It is gigantic compared to Aberdeen train station. I felt as though I was getting ready to go to Hogwarts. Sean being a very Aberdonian Mrs Weasley, keeping us together and on time.
Standing outside Holyrood, felt different from when we were there for the Scotland demands better march. It looks bigger without the crowds of protesters. Clean and welcoming. Our taxi driver kindly took our picture.
With the song ‘The Stripper’ by David Rose in my head, our group made it through security. We were met by Kevin's Parliamentary Assistant David. The signing in process was very straightforward. The staff very friendly and welcoming. I noticed crosses in the concrete of the ceiling. We looked at other displays and art pieces before ascending the stairs for FMQs.
Now I feel nervous, this is the room I watched on the telly, religiously, every week, for years. A room where the voice of Scotland is shared and heard. Excitement quickly overcomes the fear. From the Gallery, the room doesn't seem as big as it does on the telly. Though just as beautiful and modern. I spot Anas Sarwar, I spot Kate Forbes and think what if she had become our first minister. Then the speaker Alison Johnson arrives, and we know things are about to get started. What an experience, what an opportunity. Funnily Disneyland was mentioned, I felt as excited as a child in Disneyland.
After, one of the group spotted Richard Leonard and Liam Kerr, and they came over and greeted our group. We let them know our manifesto was already in their inbox and we'd love for them to come discuss it further at CFINE.
David took us to the garden Gallery. Now I already thought this building was beautiful, the gallery is something else. My eyes flit and fly between interesting architectural points. Everywhere I look there's something interesting and unique. I keep putting my hand to my mouth to stop it being wide open. As well as reminding myself not to stare at familiar MSPs. Kevin meets us on the iconic stairs, we take another photo and he asks if we'd like the standard tour or the weird and wonderful tour. Of course, we want weird and wonderful, a term that could be used to fondly describe our group. A tour of think pods and building mods. Honeybees, apple trees, a medieval fireplace, where a ghost could be. Arches of glass, roofs covered in grass.
We met Shirley-Anne Somerville the social justice secretary. Where we asked her and Kevin questions surrounding our manifesto and our lived experience. Overall, this was a successful, positive meeting.
With one last look at the gorgeous view, we left. Conscious of time for the train home. Kevin and David walked us right to the door. Kevin joined a member for a cigarette. A reminder that MSPs are just people like you and me. Like our group members.
I left feeling empowered, hopeful and so thankful. CFINE was the first place where I really felt heard. This trip allowed our group to be heard, in the place where it matters most. The Scottish houses of parliament. That's incredible. CFINE has helped me in so many ways over the last two years. This trip was an amazing experience and opportunity of a lifetime.
