Rural Scotland ready to help deliver ‘growth in every postcode’

Press Release

The Prime Minister has been urged to unlock rural Scotland’s economic potential as part of the UK Government’s commitment to delivering “good growth in every postcode.”

In a letter sent to Andy Burnham following his move into Downing Street this week, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) set out how rural Scotland can help deliver jobs, investment and long-term growth across the UK.

Rural Scotland accounts for around one third of the UK’s land mass, produces half of its renewable energy and underpins multibillion-pound industries including whisky, salmon and other high-quality food and drink. It also plays a vital role in tackling climate change, restoring nature and sustaining communities.

SLE said rural businesses and communities have the ideas, skills and ambition to generate further growth, but need policies that recognise the realities of rural life.

The organisation has proposed a series of measures, including:

• Locating modern industries closer to renewable energy generation, creating jobs while reducing transmission costs and environmental impacts.

• Introducing a rural workers’ visa to help businesses address persistent labour shortages.

• Using tax incentives and decentralising government functions to help tackle depopulation.

• Providing targeted support for lifeline services such as pharmacies, nurseries and petrol stations.

SLE has invited the Prime Minister to visit a rural Scottish community to hear directly from the people and businesses ready to help deliver that growth.

Patrick Colquhoun, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Rural Scotland has the people, ideas and ambition to make a still greater contribution to the future of the UK. Our communities produce food and energy, support world-leading industries, restore nature and create opportunities in places which are too often overlooked.

“The Prime Minister’s commitment to good growth in every postcode is an opportunity to put rural areas at the heart of that agenda. We are not asking for unspecified support or more funding. We are setting out practical steps which could help rural businesses and communities create jobs, attract investment and deliver long-term opportunities.

“Locating industry close to renewable energy production, addressing labour shortages and protecting lifeline services would all make a real difference. We would be delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to rural Scotland to meet the people ready to turn that potential into growth.”

SLE’s letter comes as Labour reportedly considers proposals that could require officials to assess the impact of policies on people living in rural areas - a move consistent with SLE’s long-standing call for Rural Impact Assessments to become mandatory.

Mr Colquhoun added: “Any meaningful step to ensure the impact of policy on rural communities is properly considered would be welcomed by Scottish Land & Estates.

“Too often, policies developed in Westminster and Edinburgh overlook the distinct challenges and opportunities facing rural areas, from housing and jobs to energy, food production and essential services.

“Rural-proofing must be more than a box-ticking exercise. It should mean early and genuine engagement with rural businesses and communities, so their experience helps shape policy before decisions are made.”