Scotland’s unpaid carers will have the opportunity to quiz a leading government adviser in a virtual parliament being held next week.

National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch, who has become on fixture on TV screens through his regular appearances at the Scottish government’s daily covid-19 briefing, is speaking on Tuesday at the second day of the event.

Paying tribute to Scotland’s carers during an “exceptionally difficult” year, he said: “I am delighted to be taking part in this year’s Parliament and I am looking forward to answering carers’ questions, to help them with decision making and managing risk in a covid-19 world.”

For the first time ever the three-day gathering, which is free to attend, is being held online.

Anyone who currently supports or has previously supported a relative, friend or neighbour can sign up on the Carers Scotland website.

Events are spread across three days on Tuesday 16^th and Wednesday 17^th, with the main fixture pencilled in for Wednesday 25^th November.

After a variety of workshops, Professor Leitch will respond to issues raised by unpaid carers in a webinar on Tuesday.

The main event, held the next week on Wednesday 25^th November, includes a keynote address from Scottish government public health minister Joe Fitzpatrick.

Mr Fitzpatrick will also be joined by mental health minister Clare Haughey MSP, local authorities health and care lead Councillor Stuart Currie and Dundee Carers Centre head Lucinda Godfrey for a panel question and answer session.

Next on the agenda is a message from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a presentation from young carers and further details about a new carers campaign.

A series of advice and wellbeing sessions on topics from self-care to technology concludes the day.

Hundreds of thousands more Scots have taken on caring roles for relatives, friends and neighbours during the pandemic and there are now thought to be more than a million unpaid carers across the country.

Professor Leitch said: “The Scottish Government absolutely values the support provided by Scotland’s unpaid carers – including the thousands who are providing support for family and friends for the first time during the pandemic.

“It is crucial that carers are supported to have a life alongside caring, and that they are able to sustain and improve their own health and wellbeing.

“That is why it is important that carers from across Scotland can come together at the Carers Parliament, to talk to policy makers and politicians about the policies and legislation that affect their lives.”

Fiona Collie, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at Carers Scotland, said: “The Carers Parliament began in 2012 as an annual event for carers from all across Scotland to have the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with policy and decision makers, including Scottish Government Ministers and representatives of local government. 

“This has been, and continues to be an exceptionally difficult year for carers and we hope that this year will present an opportunity for carers to talk about their lives during the pandemic and what support they need now and moving forward. 

“This is the first ever virtual event and it is bigger than any before, with workshops and discussion sessions, a webinar with Jason Leitch, a main event with speakers, carer interview and a Q&A with Ministers, COSLA and the CEO of one of Scotland’s biggest carers centres. 

“Being virtual, we are also offering virtual information rooms and wellbeing sessions for carers to find out about support, relax and chat with other carers.”