Shaping rural future

Have your say

One of the biggest consultations in recent years on the future of the rural economy in Scotland has been launched.

The consultation is being coordinated by the National Council of Rural Advisers (NCRA), an independent body providing advice and recommendations on rural policy to the Scottish Government.

NCRA co-chair Alison Milne said: “The rural economy has huge untapped potential that we are building a strategy to unleash. This is a great opportunity for change and we need input from as many people as possible. We have drafted a road map - a discussion document that highlights issues we feel are key to the future success of Scotland’s rural economy. It is a basis for a conversation and ideas. We know people in rural areas often feel excluded and that there is no focal point for them locally, and we want to change that. Whether you are a B&B owner in Tyndrum, an adventure sports provider in Loch Lomond, a fisherman in Lochearnhead, a teacher or nurse in Stirling or a farmer in Callendar, we want hear from you.”

The consultation focuses on three key areas – people, vision and infrastructure – and comprises 10 questions on issues such as how best to create valuable employment opportunities, how to effectively represent the contribution of rural Scotland, what skills are needed to encourage entrepreneurship and how to ensure infrastructure is fit for purpose. Submissions deadline is July 24. See www. ncra.scot. The final report is due to be published in the autumn.