Conference call for rural Scotland

THE challenges and opportunities facing rural Scotland will be explored during a two-day conference, taking place next month.

Scottish Rural Action is inviting representatives from rural communities, businesses and organisations to gather to make rural Scotland’s voice heard.

Vanessa Halhead, the organisation's acting chair, said: "This is a critically important time of change, and this conference is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to influence and inform policy and activity that affects the people who live and work in rural Scotland.

"More than 90 per cent of Scotland is classed as rural, with 20 per cent of Scotland’s population living in those rural areas, so it is absolutely essential that the needs of rural communities are met.

"Scottish Rural Action has been tasked by the Scottish Government with starting a ‘rural movement’ that will make sure the voice of rural Scotland is heard.

"This conference is the starting point of creating that rural movement."

The event takes place from February 26-27 at New Lanark Visitor Centre and people from across rural Scotland are invited to attend.

Speakers and contributors include: Fergus Ewing MSP, the cabinet secretary for the rural economy; Robin McAlpine, of Common Weal, who will talk about the Green New Deal; Katherine Trebeck of the Wellbeing Alliance, who will look at the rural economy and inclusive growth; Aileen Macleod, the former MEP; and Niall McShannon, managing director of Clydesdale Community Initiatives on social enterprise.

The conference will also include a choice of field visits and a range of participatory workshops on topics such as climate change, repopulation, community development and rural engagement.

Visit www.sra.scot for more information on the conference, which is free to attend.

Scottish Rural Action also organises the Scottish Rural Parliament, which is scheduled to take place later this year.

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