Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead
Scottish Rural Gathering 2009
Rural Scotland - Working Together for the Future
September 25, 2009
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I am delighted to welcome you to Perth racecourse today. It has long been one of my ambitions to bring rural Scotland together in this way. Have no doubt that rural Scotland is close to the heart of this Government. The First Minister, The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and, of course I myself all represent rural constituencies.
Scotland is world famous for its beautiful scenery, clean environment and rich natural and cultural heritage. These natural assets bring visitors from all over the world, provide stimulus and enjoyment, and support economic activities such as tourism, agriculture, fishing and aquaculture.
But for me that misses a large part of what makes rural Scotland unique and special - its people. It is the natural and cultural environment that makes rural Scotland entirely distinctive. Rural communities form a thriving, modern society dispersed over a large area. We know the energy and dynamism in many of our communities. I want to help release this potential even more widely. I want to see a rural Scotland which goes beyond the picture postcard and presents to the world a dynamic, active, modern society, able and willing to use all that the 21st century can offer while capitalising on its heritage.
You are already helping to make this change happen. In April this year, I launched an 'online community' for the rural network through our innovative National Rural web site designed to promote sustainable rural development. This online community is growing, with over 30,000 visits made since its launch. And this is being much admired in Europe. My officials last week presented this work in Budapest. Our image in Europe is positive and dynamic.
But the tools of 21st century networking are not enough to drive forward the step change in local rural development we want to see. I want to make sure that communities can come together in person, to learn from one another and to spread ideas and promote good practice. Today with this landmark Rural Gathering we can help make this happen.
And the learning will not stop here. Over the next year there will be 20 regional events under the Rural Network. These will get to the heart of rural development issues and provide opportunities and inspiration. I can announce today that the first 4 events will be in Strathpeffer, Birnam, Inverurie and Lockerbie.
Challenges and Opportunities
Facts and Figures
Of course, conversation and networking has to be based on facts and analysis. Today the Scottish Government is publishing the Rural Scotland Key Facts for 2009. Let me pick a few headlines. The population is increasing in rural areas - between 2001 and 2008 the population in remote areas has increased by 5.3 % compared to 0.7% in the rest of Scotland.
We learn that there is a sustained high level of volunteering in rural Scotland with 47% volunteering in remote areas compared to 29% in the rest of Scotland. And once again we see that people in rural Scotland think theirs is a good place to live. Some 76% of people in remote rural areas think that, compared to 49% in the rest of Scotland . There are higher proportions of self employment and higher proportions of family owned businesses in rural Scotland. All this and more you will find in the Key Facts.
Looking ahead from this strong position, we face a number of challenges. In particular
- Tackling Climate Change;
- Growing the economy, which includes food production but a lot more besides; and
- Maintaining our fabulous landscapes and the rich biodiversity on which we all depend.
One of the principal challenges facing Scotland relates to climate change, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to it and adapting to the changes in our environment which are already becoming apparent. Substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will be necessary. The Scottish Government is setting an example internationally by introducing ambitious statutory emissions reduction targets through the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Mitigating climate change is a challenge for us all. Some degree of climate change is unavoidable, however, as past and present emissions impact over the next 30 to 40 years. So the Scottish Government is also identifying priorities for action in its Climate Change Adaptation Framework which will be published at the end of 2009
I know, however, it is the impact of the global recession which is the immediate concern. That is why the Government has taken action on a whole series of fronts to support households and businesses in coping with the recession.
We have reduced the tax burden on businesses through our Small Business Bonus Scheme and provided the funding to enable a freeze on council taxes for a further year.
We have accelerated our capital spending across Scotland to ensure that key investment spending is getting out into the Scottish economy to support jobs.
We set up our Town Centre Regeneration Fund to support key projects for local community renewal across Scotland.
Through our Economic Recovery Plan, we are marshalling our resources and all the levers at our disposal to supporting jobs and our communities, strengthening our education and skills and investing in innovation and the jobs of the future.
That Plan is already supporting 15,000 jobs and should support thousands more as we invest in an economic recovery that makes full use of Scotland's green, renewable energy resources, technologies and skills.
SEARS
But of course supporting economic growth is not all about Government inputs. Sometimes removing bureaucratic burdens can be equally welcome to rural land-based businesses. Under SEARS, Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services, co-ordinated efforts are being made across nine public bodies to ease regulatory demands. 2,000 fewer separate service-generated inspections and visits were carried out in 2008-9, and there will be a reduction of at least 2,300 this year. Fees are being waived where Government inspectors are carrying out work on behalf of SEPA. And time delays for customers are being reduced through streamlining processes for consultation between the SEARS bodies and easier access to information.
Growing the Economy- Food and Drink
One sector particularly close to my heart, and my responsibilities, is food and drink. Vital employment and income for rural economies is provided by our food and drink industries. The profile of food and drink in Scotland has never been higher. I was delighted at the Royal Highland Show in June to launch Recipe for Success, our National Food and Drink Policy. We have already seen an increase of almost £300 million in sales for Scottish brands since 2007, constituting a 21% rise.
Protected Food Names
When thinking about opportunities, we need to focus not only on where food comes from, but also on quality and reputation.
We know that Scotland produces a range of excellent produce. We want to enhance its reputation, and guarantee its authenticity.
We are pursuing this. I am delighted to announce that the Scottish Government is funding a seminar which will be held on 2 December here, at Perth Racecourse. This will highlight the benefits of Protected Food Names, the process for application and provide an opportunity to exchange ideas to support the growth of the Scheme across in Scotland.
While business need to lead the drive for a protected food name, what communities can do is champion quality produce from their area. We need to see restaurants, bars and cafès being proud to offer local, high quality food and not just anonymous, standard commodity fare. And they will if people and communities demand it!
The recession is still bringing hardship to many. Nevertheless, not every sector is affected in the same way.
The weak pound creates opportunities to encourage tourism. This year has seen a 3% increase in the spend by international tourists and a 4% rise in visitors from the UK. Homecoming has been a great success powered in many cases by the efforts of our local communities. Over 400 events will have been held by the end of this year. Imagination, creativity and respect for our heritage - a powerful combination. We need to build on this year's success for the future, looking for new markets and making the most of our assets.
For this Government, the aim is not simply recovery, but sustainable economic growth, in rural areas, in the whole of Scotland.
Community Empowerment
When we speak about making the most of our assets, our primary asset is the capability of our people. We believe that the Scottish people can, and should, take an increased role in tackling the issues that affect our nation.
The Community Empowerment Action Plan we jointly launched with COSLA in March this year provides the framework for celebrating success so far, and challenging people to go further.
Having a clear Plan is important. But let me be clear. Empowering communities isn't about the existence of a Plan.
It's about real world issues in the places you live. It's about making the most of your collective talents, creativity and determination. And it's about helping to harness that energy to tackle the tough issues, like the economic downturn. It's about practical action.
We published the Rural Funding Opportunities Guide on the 27 April. This has been so popular, we've had to reprint it already. A newly updated version of the leaflet is available today in your delegate pack. It gives you contact points and information about Scottish Government grants totalling some £180 million open to rural communities.
Community Ownership
Sometimes community ownership of assets can be a product of exciting local development. For instance, in the context of the climate change challenge, we want communities to have the opportunity to develop renewable energy projects which will be owned by them. We have published a Community Renewable Energy Toolkit to help communities lead, and sometimes own renewable energy projects. It contains information, advice, details of possible funding sources and where to go next to get help.
The community renewable programme - Communities and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) has been refocused to move towards developing projects which seek to bring forward projects in community ownership that will contribute toward community cohesion. The maximum grant level has been increased by 50%, with grant of £150k now available.
More generally, I am delighted that more rural communities in Scotland are taking charge of their futures. Using the right to buy provisions, 40% of land in the Western Isles is in the control of community bodies and 70% of the population live on community owned land.
Communities also shape our woodlands. There are now 140 community groups, with over 13,000 members, either owning or managing woodland in Scotland. This involves almost 250 woodlands, representing 1½% of the total woodland area in Scotland.
Scotland Rural Development Programme
When it comes to funding, one of the main supports is our Rural Development programme with its wide range of support mechanisms. This support of over one and a half billion pounds is central to driving forward development in our rural areas.
No doubt some of you here today have applied for support and I hope were successful. We have approved £154 million funding for 2,500 projects in rural Scotland since rural priorities opened in May 2008. LEADER Local Action Groups have approved projects worth around £12 million.
SRDP Review
As part of my statement to the Scottish Parliament on 10 June I announced that the report was broadly supportive of the design of SRDP but that the review had identified a number of areas for improvement. My officials are working on implementing those agreed by the Scottish Government.
I was particularly pleased to accept review recommendations concerning areas where the SRDP supports rural community development.
New projects to develop community facilities can now apply for 90% funding. This new rate applies to projects being considered in the spring 2010 round for Rural Priorities.
I want to use the Programme as imaginatively and creatively as possible to drive forward further community empowerment. I want to build on the LEADER approach of local proposals and local decision making.
For example support for communities to draw up local development strategies will come in the future through LEADER. Proposals to make this change are currently with Brussels and I hope this will go ahead in the Spring of next year if not before.
But I want to go further. I know the funding landscape has changed in the last year. I know how difficult it can be for rural communities to secure match funding. I have instructed my officials to look at what can be done to ease this by increasing the proportion of LEADER funding made available while still making sure that funding is according to need.
I recognise too that development of community facilities often lies at the heart of local development strategies. To me, it makes sense that support for community facilities should also come through LEADER.
I want to make rapid progress on this and my officials will take these initiatives forward as soon as possible.
Community Activity
Each day I am reminded of the work and achievements of our rural communities. On Monday I was proud to present the Beautiful Scotland awards. 71 communities across Scotland entered this - all competing to show how hard they had worked on horticulture, the environment and community participation. Tomorrow, I am very much looking forward to presenting the Scottish Calor Village of the Year Award to Arrochar and Tarbet communities.
Rural Services - Broadband
But the nature of rural Scotland means we cannot always come together and certain services are critical for rural areas to thrive.
Broadband has already been recognised by the Scottish Government as a vital service for every Scottish household and business. And we have already made significant achievement in this respect.
As a direct result of Scottish Government intervention, broadband coverage in Scotland is over 99%.
In May 2009, we completed our Broadband Reach Project. This project has now provided a service to over 2,100 premises, many in rural communities, who are now benefiting from broadband for the first time.
On 10th June, I confirmed that Scotland's rural communities will benefit from €2.9 million funding from the European Economic Recovery Package.
This funding will be distributed through the LEADER Programme. Any rural communities which are disadvantaged in terms of broadband speeds compared to their urban counterparts, may be eligible to secure some of this funding for their own community broadband projects. We expect to be able to invite applications for this funding in early 2010. Broadband access will however remain a challenge for rural Scotland as speeds are enhanced, with the continuing risk that only a second class service is available outwith the main built up areas. We must not be complacent.
Housing
Let me say a couple of words about some other infrastructure investment that will make a difference to rural Scotland. On housing, the accelerated £120m from the affordable housing investment programme will speed up the supply of affordable housing in rural areas - and help to sustain jobs and capacity. This year, £146m will be spent on affordable housing in Rural Scotland, delivering over 1300 new houses in rural communities.
Roads and RET
Secondly, as regards islands connections, I am delighted that we have completed the upgrade of the A830, the Road to the Isles. And, the Road Equivalent Tariff Scheme appears to be having a very positive effect in getting more visitors to the islands, to judge from what I hear. Homecoming itself has brought tourists from across the world to Scotland and has benefited rural areas significantly.
Conclusion
In the light of all this, I want to map out a positive future for rural Scotland. Many of you here are aware that last year I brought together a Rural Development Council. Members include some of the foremost experts on rural issues who advise me on how best rural Scotland can contribute to the Scottish Government's overall purpose of sustainable economic growth.
We need to make sure that we have got the message right. I want you all to help me to articulate our shared vision and strategy for rural Scotland.
Today will give us a good start. Let us know if you would like us to have another event of this kind as we move forward.
I want us all to build on today. Of course we need to take account of the context in which we are operating. We must recognise the current economic realities; we must appreciate that the public purse is under severe pressure; and we must also adapt to the pressures from a changing climate and do all we can to reduce our carbon footprint.
These are realities we cannot avoid, but our natural assets will help us meet the challenges if we look after them well. Our land will deliver food in a time of concern for food security. Our wind and water resources will provide us and others with sustainable energy. Our landscapes and wildlife will give us opportunities to enjoy real quality of life and a healthy lifestyle for the 21st century.
The people of rural Scotland have a massive contribution to make, through entrepreneurship and community spirit, in shaping their own economy and their own future. Together we need to identify how the Scottish Government can best support that spirit. Rural Scotland is the place to be. All of us here know that - let us work together to meet the challenges.
The Scottish Government thanks you for your hard work and effort so far. I hope today challenges, supports and inspires you.