Rural Scotland gains renewed cross-party voice at Holyrood

Press Release

The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Rural Policy has been reconstituted, providing a strong, cross-party voice for people and businesses across rural Scotland.

Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle has been elected as convener of the group, with Emma Roddick MSP serving as deputy convener. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) will provide the group’s secretariat.

The group will bring together MSPs from across the political spectrum with rural businesses, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that the distinct needs and opportunities of rural Scotland are properly understood at Holyrood.

It will work to raise the profile of rural issues through parliamentary debates, develop practical policy proposals and organise visits giving MSPs and their advisers the opportunity to see first-hand the challenges facing those who live and work in Scotland’s rural communities.

Tim Eagle MSP, convener of the Cross-Party Group on Rural Policy, said:

“I am delighted that the Cross-Party Group on Rural Policy has been reconstituted and honoured to serve as its convener.

“Rural Scotland makes an enormous contribution to our national life, economy and environment, but the voices of its communities and businesses are not always heard loudly enough at Holyrood.

“This group will bring MSPs from across the Parliament together to champion our rural communities, listen directly to those who live and work there and develop practical proposals which can command support across party lines.”

Cameron Gillies, Head of External Affairs at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“We are looking forward to supporting the work of MSPs to give rural Scotland a strong and consistent voice on the issues that matter to everyone living and working in the countryside.

“The group can play an important role in bringing parliamentarians, businesses and communities together, encouraging constructive debate and helping to develop practical policies that help make Scotland a better place to live, work and raise a family.

“Through debates, policy proposals and visits across the country, we want to help MSPs understand what Holyrood can do to support the enormous contribution rural Scotland can make to Scotland’s future.”

The group will convene its first meeting early in the new year.