Rural Scotland People, Prosperity and Partnership

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Main Conclusions of the Public Consultation Exercise

• The consultation exercise which underpins and informs the White Paper had two elements. Over 900 organisations and individuals were asked to offer thoughts on future rural policy against the background of Rural Framework. Rural Forum was commissioned to hold a series of discussion workshops and seminars throughout Scotland. From these sources some common thoughts emerged:-

• there was a need for an integrated strategy for economic and social activity in rural areas.

• a Rural Aid Fund would help promote the development of rural small business, training and development enterprises.

• the growth of teleworking has much to offer for the future prosperity of rural Scotland.

• there might be benefits to crofting, if new land could be made available for the creation of new crofts.

• good practice in local service arrangements should be identified, monitored and disseminated particularly where it involved innovative approaches.

• diversification of farm income, including expansion into tourist, sporting and craft activities should be encouraged.

• the rural transport infrastructure should be protected and developed.

• the Common Agricultural Policy should move away from subsidies on production and towards the provision of integrated support for rural economies.

• encouragement should be given to the development of rural housing associations to combat the drift of rural populations in some areas to urban centres.

• links between health, employment and the ageing of rural populations should be explored in a much more systematic fashion, in order to develop strategies for an overall improvement in these areas.

• animateurs should be available to stimulate and nurture small business enterprise in rural areas.

• the provision of child care facilities in rural areas would release the skills and experience of working women.