Defining Scotland by Rurality 
The Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification provides a standard definition of rural areas in Scotland. This classification is updated every two years to incorporate the most recent Small Area Population Estimates (SAPE) produced by the General Register Office for Scotland and Royal Mail Postcode Address File (PAF).
The classification has been designed to be simple and easy to understand and apply. It distinguishes between urban, rural and remote areas within Scotland and includes the following categories:
Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification |
1 Large Urban Areas | Settlements of over 125,000 people. |
2 Other Urban Areas | Settlements of 10,000 to 125,000 people. |
3 Accessible Small Towns | Settlements of between 3,000 and 10,000 people and within 30 minutes drive of a settlement of 10,000 or more. |
4 Remote Small Towns | Settlements of between 3,000 and 10,000 people and with a drive time of over 30 minutes to a settlement of 10,000 or more. |
5 Accessible Rural | Settlements of less than 3,000 people and within 30 minutes drive of a settlement of 10,000 or more. |
6 Remote Rural | Settlements of less than 3,000 people and with a drive time of over 30 minutes to a settlement of 10,000 or more. |
The publication, produced every two years, includes background information and guidance on the use of the classification and also the geographic information to allow organisations to use the classification.
Publications
Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification 2007-2008
Scottish Executive Urban Rural Classification 2005-2006
Scottish Executive Urban Rural Classification 2003-2004