Have your say on the cost of rural living

Researchers are asking the people of Campbeltown to participate in a study that will create a better understanding of the needs and costs experienced by those living in rural and remote areas of Scotland.

The research initiative, commissioned by the Scottish Government, is called Minimum Income Standard for Remote and Rural Scotland and updates similar work commissioned in 2012 by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and partner organisations.

The project has now begun recruiting in Campbeltown and surrounding villages for participants from a variety of backgrounds and age groups.

The research will be conducted by the Centre for Research in Social Policy team at the University of Loughborough, working alongside two Highland-based researchers.

The findings will be used by the Scottish Government and other organisations to help make sure people have enough to enable them to have an acceptable standard of living and to play a full part in today’s society.

The research will be carried out using three local focus groups which will involve a small number of people taking part in an informal discussion led by a professional researcher.

The researchers operate under strict ethical and legal codes, including those of the Data Protection Act and the Social Research Association.

The dates for the focus groups are: Working age with no dependents: Monday November 23, 6.30pm to 9.30pm; Pensioners: Tuesday November 24, 10am to 1pm and Parents: Thursday November 26, 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Anyone who would like to take part in the study or would like more information should contact Jo Ellen or Amanda Bryan by emailing misrrs.recruitment@gmail.com or telephoning 07851 969871.