The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Initiatives boost rural opportunities
Schemes aim to support young people who wish to stay in the Highlands and islands or return after university
Population trends across the Highlands and islands reveal a mixed picture of a declining rural community.
Many youngsters head for the mainland in search of higher education opportunities, which has led to a shortage of young people.
A 2018 study by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) estimated just 17% of the region is aged 15-30, compared to 21% in Scotland as a whole.
A lack of high-quality jobs, limited housing options, education needs and poor infrastructure are all regularly cited as reasons why young people choose to move elsewhere.
The problem of rural migration is felt widely, according to Claire Kemp, Business Gateway manager in Orkney, who said: “It’s understandable that people want to leave for university – we’re not aiming to stop that – but we would like to support those that want to stay on the island or return after university.”
Efforts are under way to encourage young people to view the area as an attractive place to live, work and study.
One example is the Outer Hebrides Young Entrepreneur Start-Up Scheme (OHYESS), which provides grants to support entrepreneurs aged 18-40.
Developed with funding from HIE, the two-year scheme launched in July.
It follows the success of the Outer Hebrides Youth
Entrepreneurship Scheme (OHYES), which supported 43 start-ups run by young people, with a projected combined turnover of up to £2 million.
“As well as providing advice to young entrepreneurs and helping them access council funding, we have been introducing selfemployment at an earlier age,” said Claire.
“We’ve been providing adviser support to young enterprise companies, and also included a business competition for primary schools in our annual Orkney business festival.”
Norman MacLean, Business Gateway manager for the Outer Hebrides, said: “The OHYESS grants have fostered a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs, and helped to promote the Outer Hebrides as an outstanding place to live and work for people of all ages.”
Other Business Gateway offices, including those in Argyll and Bute as well as Shetland and Orkney, are exploring similar schemes.
Kirsten Nicholson, Business Gateway manager for Shetland, said: “Shetland College is now the most northern partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands, which has substantially increased the range of courses and qualifications available locally.”