Rural Scotland People, Prosperity and Partnership
Shaping Partnerships
OUR AIMS FOR RURAL SCOTLAND
The rural communities of Scotland are a vibrant, distinctive and vital part of Scotland. Their population is almost one-third of Scotland and the land in which they live is one of the most significant assets of the United Kingdom, in terms of landscape, natural heritage and the economic activities like tourism and agriculture which they support. They form a thriving modern rural society dispersed over a large area. The Government believe that, first and foremost, the future of rural Scotland rests with, and should rest with, the people and businesses who live there. They are best placed to understand what is most needed in their particular communities.
CONCLUSIONTaken together, we believe that the three elements of the new Scottish Rural Partnership will go a long way towards meeting the needs of rural communities in Scotland for empowerment and local action. These proposals are not intended to and do not cut across the responsibilities of the new councils nor of the existing Government agencies. They are intended to assist those existing bodies to handle the issues arising in rural areas at a scale proportionate to the communities which they serve. They would ensure that decision-making is delegated to the most appropriate level and secure a key role for local authorities, as the democratically elected local bodies, in taking forward development for their area. Now, a framework will be provided which, through best practice, training and modest financial incentives, will enable and facilitate local initiatives and partnerships to be formed on a flexible basis, appropriate to local circumstances. Additional support through other initiatives will also be available and we will seek ways to encourage links between the Scottish Rural Partnership and the work of others. In 1992 we set out in Rural Framework ideas based on enabling the people of Scotland's rural communities to talk to each other. The future of rural communities in Scotland must be determined by the people of those communities and those who join them to pursue a livelihood, or simply to enjoy their peace and tranquillity. We have pursued developments in Scotland which have been tailored carefully to their needs, assisting and enabling rather than imposing systems devised for other areas. We will continue to work to the objectives set out in this White Paper, in partnership, seeking prosperity for the people of the rural communities of Scotland. Edinburgh 1995
If you would like further information or wish to offer views on any matter in this document, initially you should contact:
Ms Linda Sinclair
Telephone: 0131 244 3159
Communications on the following subject areas can be sent to the Email addresses below:
Information on the Internet
We are placing the main documents on the Internet.
"Rural Framework: A Progress Report" is at:
and "The White Paper Consultation: the Rural Forum Report" can be found at:
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