Consultation aimed at reaping more from Scotland’s rural areas

Council to look at people, infrastructure and vision to tap more for economy

A consultation on the future of the rural economy in Scotland has been launched by the National Council of Rural Advisers (NCRA).

The council, which was established at last year’s Royal Highland Show, is an independent body tasked with giving advice and recommendations on rural policy to the Scottish Government.

It launched a six-week consultation paper entitled Discussion Document: A Rural Conversation, which focuses on three key areas – people, vision and infrastructure.

It comprises 10 questions on various issues including how best to create valuable employment opportunities, how to effectively represent the contribution and value of rural Scotland, what skills are needed to encourage entrepreneurship and how to ensure that infrastructure is fit for purpose.

NCRA co-chairwoman Alison Milne said the rural economy had “huge untapped potential” which the council was building a strategy to unleash.

“This is a great opportunity for change and we need input from as many people as possible, which is why we are holding this nationwide consultation,” she said.

“So whether you are a B&B owner in the Highlands or Dumfriesshire, an adventure sports provider in Lochaber or Perthshire, a fisherman in the northeast, a teacher or nurse in the Scottish Borders or a farmer in Fife, we want hear from you.”

Another council member, Sarah Allison, who is a former agri and rural affairs chairwoman at the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, said: “Now is the ideal time to be bold and ambitious and change the traditional narrative around the rural economy of Scotland and the opportunity it presents.

“We need you to look at the recommendations we have outlined and bring your ideas, creativity and vision to help us make our rural economy the heartbeat of Scotland’s future.”

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing welcomed the launch of the consultation. He said: “The council call for a defined and ambitious strategy for Scotland’s rural economy that develops natural and human capital, competitiveness, robust infrastructure and social inclusion is compelling.

“I believe that policy should be driven by people, which is why I particularly welcome the focus in this report on generating inclusive growth, tackling inequalities in the rural labour market and creating quality job opportunities – a challenge I readily accept.”

Now is the ideal time to be bold and ambitious and change the traditional narrative around the rural economy

Kelly McIntyre. Picture: From left, David Whitelaw of Lindores Abbey Distillery, Alison Milne of the National Council of Rural Advisers, artist and flower arranger Michelle Morton and Piotr Gudan of Outdoor Explore.