The Church opened its four-day National Youth Assembly on Friday faced with the challenge of bringing hope to Scotland’s young people.

Conference organisers, the Church of Scotland’s Mission and Discipleship Council, said the numbers attending were a clear indication that young Scots consider God more important than politics.

The four-day gathering brings together more than 260 delegates, making it the largest annual gathering of young adults in Scotland and comfortably surpassing the Scottish Youth Parliament’s 200 MYSPs.

“During the recession young people are exploring the important things in life,” said Dr Steve Mallon, secretary of the Mission and Discipleship Council.

“They want to challenge the Church to help the people of Scotland to dream and have hope in spite of the difficult things going on around us.”

The gathering will focus on four themes. These are engaging with 21st century spirituality, other faiths, issues of identity and wealth.

The Panel on Review and Reform will lead discussions on the future of the Church of Scotland, while the Church and Society Council will speak about mental health and young people.