Rikki is a member of our lived experience group, Voices for a Better Future. He also took part in Caring Scotland, a creative oral history project from National Theatre of Scotland. The project documents the lives and experiences of at least 100 members of the care experienced community in Scotland. Here, Rikki reflects on taking part.
Voices For A Better Future is 4 years old. We’re a group of survivors who were abused by the Scottish care system. My time with Future Pathways is almost 10 years. Future Pathways was the signpost that I found and I raised a hand and asked for help and the rest is how a tapestry comes together. We were destined to come together.
I was interviewed for the One Hundred Voices project way back in February and March 2025. Karen Allan, the producer with The National Theatre Of Scotland, thought, ‘I want to put Rikki’s story forward for the One Hundred Voices at the Scottish Parliament’.
And the weird world of Rikki begin to sow seeds to bring everything together. There’s no magic or trickery, it’s a burning love in a man to bring memoirs and tales together with the possibility of bringing light to peoples heart’s.
I’m going to Edinburgh for 3 days because I have a Voices for a Better Future meeting coming up on 11 August. Travelling the same day would break me, so I’m going up the day before.
I will be going to One Hundred Voices at the Scottish Parliament on 13 August. It matters because my voice and story will be kept for millions of people coming behind me. I want things to change for the better.
The reason I’m writing this is to help others live a light life again. The only way to close that can of worms is to open it, pour it out, and get it out without fear or anger. Let the tears and the rain wash it down the drain.
Find out more
One Hundred Voices
One Hundred Voices is an interactive, audio-guided installation, bringing creative insight into living in the care system. It serves as an artistic act of recognition and celebration of the one hundred testimonies recorded through the Caring Scotland project.
The One Hundred Voices installation opens at the Scottish Parliament on 12 August 2026, before touring to Glasgow, Dumfries, Stranraer, Forfar and Glenrothes.
Caring Scotland is delivered by National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with Who Cares? Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. It was funded with an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Voices for a Better Future
Voices for a Better Future is a lived experience voice group. The group brings together people who are, or have been, supported by Future Pathways. Members of the group want to make a difference for others with experience in care.
In May 2026, Voices for a Better Future reached their 4-year mark. They have helped to shape services and advocate for change, all while supporting each other in their own personal journeys. Here, members reflect on what the group means to them.
