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Focussing On Rural Scotland – New SAC Report Raises Urgent Questions For Policy Makers And Communities

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N13
Published: 19 Feb 2010

Rural Scotland in Focus Report 2010 (opens in new window)

Policy planning for rural Scotland cannot be successful unless it takes account of the diversity and change already happening in local communities and the countryside.

That is a key lesson taken from an extensive review of available evidence about rural Scotland carried out by SAC researchers and collaborators.  In “Rural Scotland in Focus”, this information about 90% of Scotland’s land area and home for one million people is presented together for the first time.

The report, produced by SAC’s Rural Policy Centre, clearly shows the variety of priorities across the country for both the environment and communities. In eight sections it deals with:

  • the changing population
  • the resilience of the rural economy and agriculture
  • the future of rural services and infrastructure
  • climate change
  • water management
  • biodiversity 
  • how some rural communities are taking control of their own future

While there is some history and some future thinking the report’s main focus is on what is happening now!

That is very important, according to editor Dr Sarah Skerratt, of SAC’s Rural Policy Centre.  Speaking during the launch of Rural Scotland in Focus at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on 22nd February she said.

“We have become so used to issues like climate change being linked to action targets set 10, 20 or 30 years ahead, we sometimes feel we have plenty of time. But by examining the evidence about rural Scotland more deeply we have shown that, with many rural issues, things are happening now! For instance in some parts of the country the population has already aged to levels other parts are not forecast to reach for 10 years or more. We cannot put these things off."

The report also warns policy makers against being diverted into addressing issues in just one sector or the other. It suggests thinking should focus on whole areas or regions with opportunity for learning and linkage.

“The forthcoming squeeze on public spending and the pressure on local authorities will be a challenge,” said Sarah Skerratt, “but perhaps it can be a driver for innovation and new partnerships in the provision of local services. And that isn’t just something for the “them” of the various agencies but the “us” who live in these communities. They can and do make a significant contribution, given the right support.”

Rural Scotland in Focus uncovers more than just the difference between towns and cities and land outside or remote islands and mountains. It uncovers the differences within those areas which have been under the radar. In doing so it reveals key questions for debate by those establishing long lasting policies and practices.

While these must fit locally and engage people on the ground they must also meet international, national and strategic goals, something particularly true of climate change and biodiversity targets.  Rural Scotland in Focus identifies the urgent need to link national and local in a way that makes full use of all the resources available, including the communities.

Access the full report and contribute to the debate.

For more information, contact Dr Sarah Skerratt. 

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Dr Sarah Skerratt
Senior Researcher
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4335

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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