AALIlSisOo N n MMILiNlnEe

On Tuesday this week, the National Council of Rural Advisers (NCRA) published its discussion document, “A Rural Conversation: Together We Can, Together We Will” on the future of the rural economy in Scotland.

On the same day we were invited to address the first minister and the Cabinet on our initial ideas – almost exactly a year since Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing first announced the establishment of the NCRA.

The invitation to address the Cabinet was a significant endorsement of the importance with which our recommendations are being viewed by the Scottish Government and this is a real opportunity we must embrace.

The NCRA is an independent group with two main aims – the first is to produce a report on the implications of Brexit for the rural economy, and the second is to provide recommendations on how to ensure a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive rural economy for the future.

Brexit has been central to our discussions but it is viewed as a catalyst for something far bigger – the opportunity to engage with those who live and work in rural Scotland on shaping the future they want to see.

The NCRA believes that we have an immediate window of opportunity, created by not only Brexit but also the will of government and the people of rural Scotland to make change happen.

This consultation provides an opportunity to consider the needs of the rural economy in its entirety and to celebrate the diversity that we have to offer here in Scotland.

The reality is I am not the first person to talk about the creation of a vision for rural Scotland. We have been here before. tt

Over the last 25 years we have had national conversations, strategies and visions all designed to deliver value to rural Scotland, and while we have seen positive and incremental change and celebrated certain success we remain in a position where rural people can readily identify the challenges they face.

These include poor infrastructure, poor connectivity, and a lack of opportunities for our young people. So what’s different this time?

Well, Brexit provides a critical juncture – the impact of EU intervention and support has been felt more acutely by the rural economy.

This time a will and recognition exists within the Scottish Government and other bodies that the needs of rural Scotland must be better understood.

A new image of rural value is emerging and we have the chance to shape it and create a true understanding of the supportive relationship between urban and rural areas, one of mutual benefit and respect.

The NCRA is ambitious – we have a vision for a flourishing rural economy that does not rely on measuring the rural contribution by Gross Value Added (GVA), at £34.6 billion, but instead relies on painting the real picture of the value and impact that rural Scotland delivers.

It relies on identifying opportunities for growth and removing the barriers that prevent us from realising our potential.

I encourage everyone to use this opportunity to make this a national conversation of worth, to engage, respond and encourage others to do the same, to have your say and to help make a real difference.

l Alison Milne is co-chairman of the National Council of Rural Advisers.