MEMBERS of the South Ayrshire Common Weal believe the way to develop Scotland is to learn from the past when envisaging the future.

The organisation has been set up and attended by those who have an interest in discussing key issues throughout South Ayrshire and the rest of the country and act on them. They have a ‘vision of what Scotland could become and how to achieve this’.

Having studied the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century, a time of intellectual and scientific improvements, some members of the Common Weal feel that it is time to ‘learn from the past, understand the present and envisage the future’. 

Stuart Bates, of the South Ayrshire Common Weal, said: “It is a confusing time that we live in with so much communication around and so many opinions parading as fact.

“Now ‘fake news’ bombards us. In Scotland, it is our view that over the last 10 years or so, you can see the early signs of questioning.

“You could almost argue the case for a new Scottish Enlightenment is stirring. 

“We have a proud heritage here reaching back to when Scotland saw a flourishing of concepts and ideas which challenged existing rules which developed western civilisation. 

“The Common Weal has emerged as a non-party political study to examine and analyse most major challenges facing Scotland, proposing innovative and detailed ways meeting these. 
“We have a vision of what Scotland could become and how to achieve this’.”

They want to encourage more young people to join their discussions and voice their opinions on how to develop Scotland.