Over 120 people attended a reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Autistic Society Scotland, which was hosted in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday evening. The event celebrated the organisation’s past, present and future, highlighting the work we’ve done to help create a society that works for autistic people. 

Stephanie Callaghan MSP sponsored the showpiece event, which also included speeches from the Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, Kevin Stewart MSP, and the Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Autism, Alexander Burnett MSP. 

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Jason Ferguson, who is autistic himself and participated in our Moving Forward programme. Attendees also heard from Carrie Watts, the Chairperson of our Highland Branch, and had the opportunity to see Sean Logan, star of the BAFTA Scotland winning short film Harmonic Spectrum, perform. 

The parliamentary reception brought together autistic people, family carers, staff, fundraisers, volunteers, funders, third and public sector partners, MSPs, and government officials. Our Director, Rob Holland spoke at the gathering, reflecting on our history as an organisation, as well as highlighting our range of services and our positivity for the future.

Reflecting on the event, Stephanie Callaghan MSP stated, “It is vital to have representation of the autistic community in the Parliament and I am so glad that we were able to celebrate the achievements of NAS in Scotland over the past 25 years and hear the inspiring stories of lived experience.” 

“NAS are transforming the lives of people on the autism spectrum in Scotland and I look forward to celebrating their next milestone!”

Thank you so much to everyone who attended!