The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Rural life protection call
● Council to consider MSP’s proposal for remote communities bill
The Scottish Government has been urged to address challenges facing rural people “before it is too late”.
Aberdeenshire Council has been asked to give feedback on a proposed remote rural communities bill, which would offer similar protection for mainland communities as the 2018 Islands Act does for Scottish islands.
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Gail Ross is behind the venture, which would result in public bodies having to take the impact on remote rural communities into account when formulating policy.
Aberdeenshire Council has issued a rallying call to protect rural communities, telling the government: “If we lose this vital part of our culture, we will never reignite it, it will be lost for generations to come.”
In common with the Islands Act, the bill would also put responsibility on Scottish ministers to publish a national remote rural plan.
M s R o s s s a i d : “Protection for remote, rural communities has never been more vital”, due to challenges faced by population decline, access to services and retention of staff.
On Thursday, Shire councillors will discuss their official response and how the bill could affect vast swathes of rural land and thousands of people who call it home.
A report, prepared by Ritchie Johnson, director of business services, states:
“Anything that could create a more level playing field for remote, rural areas – such as postal charges and fuel charges – would be welcomed.
“In housing, there have been examples of legislation and policy, particularly in homelessness, affordable housing and energy efficiency, that have been aimed at meeting the needs of urban communities, often either at the expense of rural communities or in a way that is impractical to deliver in a sparsely populated area.
“We need to protect and enhance our rural heritage and support those who choose to live a rural life.”
The council’s response to the consultation confirmed the authority is struggling to support people as well as they would like – with numerous complaints surrounding gritting, street lighting, bin collections and safe rural routes to schools.
The response adds: “Remote rural communities have unique characteristics and local authorities are best placed to respond to the challenges and opportunities faced by rural residents and businesses.”
Members have been asked to acknowledge Aberdeenshire Council’s response and support the proposed legislation, but acknowledge that additional financial resources need to be put in place if the bill is passed.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to promoting inclusive growth and creating opportunities for all to ensure a vibrant, sustainable and productive rural economy and we are already taking a range of actions to help our rural communities thrive.
“If the proposed bill were to come forward, we would carefully consider it.”