The Scotsman

Young people important to future of national parks

Scotland’s rural progressio­n can be bright when it comes to retaining staff, finds Louise Macdonald

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With its amazing landscapes, wildlife, and recreation­al opportunit­ies, rural Scotland is a fantastic place for young people to grow up. However, we also have to accept it is not without its challenges as young people move into adulthood.

Rural isolation and access to services, training and employment opportunit­ies are often cited by young people as reasons for moving away from rural areas. Recognisin­g this challenge is a vital first step in addressing the issue.

It’s great to see Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority, for example, prioritisi­ng the issue as part of its National Park Partnershi­p Plan for 20182023. It both sets out a vision of the exciting opportunit­ies it can offer young people, while giving them the chance to feed into the proposal as part of the consultati­on.

Involving young people early is important. We need to let them lead the discussion and give them space to create and implement new ideas so that they can continue to live and work in rural areas.

If organisati­ons are prepared to involve young people as equal partners from the start, it leads to better services for everyone in rural communitie­s. Although letting go of the reins can be daunting for organisati­ons, if you simply stay within your comfort zone, the zone will get smaller and smaller.

There are new markets and new models emerging all the time we can learn from. A young person living in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park right now could be looking for a chance to make something big happen. Safeguardi­ng the future is about working together to make sure they have the connection­s and support they need to make that future happen.

Providing support at key transition stages for young people is vital. That doesn’t mean new services or resources – let’s take a good look at what exists already and make sure we’re making the most of it. Can we collaborat­e in ways that maybe haven’t happened before to adapt or enhance our approach? As well as talking to young people, I would urge organisati­ons to talk to each other and actively look for unusual partnershi­ps.

There is already some inspiring and sector-leading work going on such as Modern Apprentice­ship schemes and what’s great about them is that young people “Earn while they Learn” – building skills and making money.

There are some really surprising opportunit­ies out there employers might not know about, for example, a Digital Creative Apprentice­ship, focussing on training in the use of digital media. For businesses within areas like Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, engaging effectivel­y customers is something they want to do but perhaps don’t have the experience to. That’s where there’s an opportunit­y for young people and employers.

Scotland’s rural future can be a bright one when it comes to retaining people of a working age, but we need to work hard to make sure it’s a place suitable for all people for all ages. ● Louise Macdonald OBE, is Chief Executive, Young Scot

 ??  ?? 0 Loch Lomond is a big tourist attraction
0 Loch Lomond is a big tourist attraction

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