Introduction
The Executive is committed to supporting rural life, rural communities and the rural economy. To do so it has 'mainstreamed' the needs of rural Scotland within all of its policies.
In this way, rather than setting rural Scotland aside as something different or a special case, it has encouraged all policy makers to take the needs of rural areas seriously and to adapt their policies to meet local needs and circumstances wherever possible.
A number of bodies and mechanisms exist to oversee and co-ordinate the Executive's approach to rural development. These ensure that all of the Executive's policies are sensitive to the needs and circumstances of rural communities. They also keep policy makers in touch with the views of the communities they serve.
As well as colleagues across the Executive, we work closely with Analytical Services to develop evidence and learn more about rural Scotland. Part of this is appropriate use of research. The rural research programme outlines upcoming work in this area.