The visit is part of the SHRC’s spotlight research into how economic, social and cultural rights are being realised across Mid to North East Scotland.

Between October and December, the SHRC will meet with local charities and community groups throughout Angus, Aberdeenshire, Fife, Perthshire, Clackmannanshire and Stirling to hear about issues such as housing, health, food and social security.

The SHRC will be holding interviews in Dundee (26-27 October), Forfar (28 October), Arbroath (29 October), Stirling (3-4 November) Aberdeen (9-10 November), Inverurie (11 November), Peterhead (12 November), Alloa (16-17 November), Perth (24-25 November), Blairgowrie (26 November), Pitlochry (27 November),  Dunfermline (30 November -1 December) Kirkcaldy (2 December), Glenrothes (3 December).

People can also share their own views and experiences by completing an online survey.

The findings will form part of an independent report to the Scottish Parliament on the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Mid to North East Scotland.

This project is the third phase of the SHRC’s innovative local monitoring programme. Reports have previously been published on the Highlands and Islands and the South of Scotland, with work in the Central Belt planned for next year.

The local monitoring approach brings the SHRC closer to communities to better understand how human rights are being experienced on the ground and whether public policy and services are delivering for people in practice.

The research will explore:

• The key economic, social and cultural rights issues affecting communities
• The impact of policies and legislation on people’s rights
• Efforts to prioritise the most pressing human rights challenges

The final report will be laid before the Scottish Parliament in 2027 using the Commission’s powers under section 4(1)(b) of the Scottish Commission for Human Rights Act 2006.

Professor Angela O’Hagan, chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, said: “As Scotland’s independent National Human Rights Institution, the SHRC is uniquely placed to take a big picture view of human rights, the gaps and progress.

“We want to understand the human rights issues affecting people across the Mid to North East Scotland. These are the rights of everyday life: housing, healthcare, education, energy, food and essential services.

“We want to hear from people locally so we can take their concerns to the Scottish Parliament.”