Partnership

9. Although partnership was not identified as one of the original 8 themes of "Rural Framework", it was recognised as an over-riding principle, essential if real progress was to be made across rural Scotland against the themes set out by "Rural Framework".

10. "Rural Framework" recognised that the partnership approach is particularly appropriate in the rural context because the issues to be addressed are inter-related and require an integrated response. Effective solutions to the problems facing rural communities require a wide perspective, recognising the increasing number of participants with a legitimate and often essential role to play, and addressing the full range of issues including economic development, land and resources management, healt h and social welfare, housing, transport, consumer and business services, leisure and recreation. This shift away from a sectoral approach towards a more integrated, comprehensive method of tackling rural problems is also identified in the "Literature Review of Rural Issues" produced by The Scottish Office, and is an illustration of the changing policy context in which partnerships are seen as an appropriate policy tool. The concept of effective partnership is also increasingly seen as central to th e process of formulating and implementing successful programmes for obtaining Government and European Union funding.

11. The establishment of the Rural Focus Group was itself a major step forward in developing partnership at the national level. The membership of the Group and the commitment of the partners to the work undertaken reflects an understanding of the importance for policy to be co-ordinated in an effective manner. There is increasing recognition of the need to provide linkages between national and local levels and to facilitate and support the "bottom up" approach to rural development. Examples of loc al partnerships based on the need for a joint approach towards the future planning of different types of areas include : -

A Rural Strategy for Tayside: Tayside Regional Council invited Rural Forum to chair a working group to prepare a rural strategy and action plan for Tayside Region. The working group included representatives from all the key public bodies working in the area including the District Councils, Scottish Homes, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, SNH, Tayside Health Board, the Forestry Commission and the SAC. The strategy, which was launched in July 1995 following extensive consultation, adopts a thematic approach, focusing on issues such as a sustainable rural economy and rural disadvantage.

The Central Scotland Woodlands Initiative: this initiative, launched by the Secretary of State in 1989 now brings together a partnership of 18 public bodies, led by Central Scotland Countryside Trust, with the aim of developing and implementing the Central Scotland Forest, a strategy for which was launched in April 1995. The aim is to regenerate an area of 160,000 hectares, doubling woodland cover and creating a range of associated improvements in Central Scotland over a 20 year period. It is supp orted by ten Local Authorities; Scottish Enterprise (and the four relevant Local Enterprise Companies); Forestry Commission (Forestry Authority and Forest Enterprise); and Scottish Natural Heritage as well as other organisations.

The Cairngorms Partnership, established in 1994, following the report by the Cairngorms Working Party, brings together a wide range of public and private bodies and individuals in the local area to develop and implement a management strategy for this area of outstanding natural heritage interest. The Partnership has been formally constituted as a private company chaired by Mr David Laird at the invitation of the Secretary of State, with the core funding provided through SNH.

Tweed Forum which was set up in 1990 brings together twenty nine statutory and non-statutory bodies with an interest in the Tweed to exchange information and improve co-ordination. The Forum has published a Factpack for educational use, a Users guide which includes a contact list and a series of Topic papers giving information on a number of key issues.

SNH Firths Initiative under which a local forum for individual Scottish Firths been set up with a view to achieving a joint approach to managing each of the estuaries concerned. Three groups have so far been established for the Forth (November 1993), the Solway (June 1994) and the Moray Firth (1992).

Borders Forum for Sustainable Development, established in April 1995, building upon the Ettrick and Lauderdale Sustainability Study which brings together a wide range of community, economic, and environmental interests with the aim of identifying future development options for the Borders.

12. Other examples of partnership include the Rural Stirling Partnership, which comprises 7 local partners: Central Regional Council; the Forest Authority/Forest Enterprise; Forth Valley Enterprise; the local Tourist Board; SNH; Stirling District Council; and the Rural Stirling Housing Association. This wide-ranging partnership, founded in 1992, aims to promote economic activity whilst maintaining the quality of rural Stirling's outstanding environment. Approximately £2.5 million has been investe d since the partnership was established in the rural economy and the impact of this spend has been more effective because of collaborative work of partners. The partnership also aims to forge greater links between private and public sectors and local business involvement has played a vital part in ensuring grass roots involvement. A number of projects have been set up including the Trossachs Tourism Trail; village enhancements in Aberfoyle, Callander and Balquhidder; and new visitor attractions such as D unlaverig Farmlife Centre and Breadalbane Folklore Centre.

13. The Angus Glens Initiative has focused on an area affected by declining population. It was funded by Scottish Enterprise Tayside, Angus District and Tayside Region who appointed a development officer, or animateur, for the area. Projects initiated included drystane dyking training, a sheep health scheme, the Glens Tourism Group, and promotion of teleworking and a telecottage. Local partnership arrangements exist between SNH, Scottish Homes and other funding bodies and the initiative is regard ed as part of a long term process of engaging the community and agreeing priorities.

14. The South Roxburghshire Initiative involves Scottish Borders Enterprise, Roxburgh District Council, Borders Regional Council and Scottish Homes in a number of environmental, business and property projects with the active involvement of the local community through, for example, a community workshop held in January 1995.

15. A final example of partnership - at national level in this case - is the Scottish Tourism Co-ordinating Group, which has an important role because of the economic value of tourism in rural areas and is undertaking strategic initiatives designed to improve Scotland's tourism product. The group also acts as a forum for discussion of tourism-related issues and where appropriate has commissioned action. The group is chaired by the Minister responsible for Tourism and comprises representatives from 11 organisations: The Scottish Office, Scottish Tourist Board, COSLA, SNH, Scottish Enterprise, Historic Scotland, HIE, British Tourist Authority, Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Museums Council and Scottish Sports Council.

16. We believe there is scope for further development of the partnership approach at national and local level. The Rural Focus Group could have an important role in furthering the integration of policy for rural areas: by discussing how far particular sectoral policies for organisations represented on the group contribute to the overall aims of rural policy; by promoting research and discussion of key issues; by disseminating information on good practice to the increasing number of local partnershi ps and by increasing collaboration between its members.