« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
PLANNING ADVICE NOTE: PAN 73: RURAL DIVERSIFICATION
Defining Rural
7. The Scottish Executive defines rural Scotland as the countryside, and settlements of 3,000 population or less. Under this core definition, rural Scotland accounts for 98% of the Scottish landmass and 19% of the population (approximately 1 million people). The main focus of this PAN is on those areas that fall within this core definition, but this definition of rural Scotland should not be applied too strictly. Many settlements with a population greater than 3,000 people experience aspects of rurality. Urban fringes can have an intensely rural character, and the economic activities of urban and rural areas are strongly connected.
Farming, Highland
8. Rural Scotland cannot be considered as a single entity. The character of rural areas and the challenges they face varies greatly across the country: from remote and sparsely populated regions to pressurised areas of green belt, from areas that are thriving and prosperous to others facing economic difficulties. Different policy approaches, using different typologies, are required in different areas.
9. This PAN will be most useful for those involved with development and diversification projects in the countryside, in and around villages and small towns, but the advice will also have relevance in urban hinterlands and green belts. Some of the examples will be more relevant to one rural area than another and will be applied in different ways depending on local circumstances. Nevertheless, this PAN will be of broad interest to all those concerned with planning and the diversification of the rural economy.
Scottish Executive - 6-Fold Urban Rural Classification
« Previous | Contents | Next »