The Scottish Government

Regional Priority Code

Diversification of Rural Enterprise Priorities

Relevant Packages

Shetland's Economic Policy Statement aims to broaden Shetland's economic base, create quality jobs and allow the population to be much less dependant upon a narrow band of industrial sectors. Local outcomes for a diverse land-based business sector are derived from these aims. In Shetland particular priority will be given to proposals that contribute to meeting the following aims:

Orkney has built up a quality image, utilising previous grant schemes such as ABIS, ABDS and PMGS to successfully diversify both within and outwith the agricultural sector. The advantages of co-operative working in a small island community have been recognised for many years. Opportunities exist in Orkney's agriculture sector and related local food and drink industries to focus on quality products and added value activity. Tourism and emerging sectors offer long term potential for developing a sustainable and world class product. Orkney is ideally placed to exploit the wind, wave and tidal resources of the area. With the creation of the European Marine Energy Centre, Orkney already has an international reputation for the advancement of wave and tidal technologies.

26. A diverse land-based business sector, through:

NIS26a

a. encouraging innovation and new product development and local processing, marketing and retailing in line with Scottish Food and Drink Strategy and the Scottish Forestry Strategy. In particular proposals that:

1 & 35

for Shetland;

• establish Shetland-based product promotion schemes through demonstrable use of local processing and consumer outlets
• demonstrate an innovative approach to developing new products, and branding food and drink derived from Shetland
• develop farmers market group activities in Shetland.

for Orkney;

• establish Orkney-based product promotion schemes through demonstrable use of local processing and consumer outlets
• demonstrate an innovative approach to developing new products, and branding food and drink derived from Orkney
• develop farmers market group activities in Orkney
• add value to goods produced in Orkney through support to local groups.

NIS26b

b. Strengthening links between primary producers and other industry sectors, including processors, retailers and the food service sector, to develop predictable and stable supplies and reduce costs, waste and food/timber miles and live animal transport. In particular proposals that:

1 & 35

for Shetland;

• promote co-operation between businesses in order to increase the efficiency of the local food supply chain and provides better returns for the primary producer, e.g. by sharing costs in marketing, distribution and administration
• shorten links between producer and consumer, e.g. between processors (especially finishers and slaughterhouses), distributors, caterers, local consumer outlets and the hospitality industry
• Establish improved and sustainable farmers market sites across Shetland
• Promote use of local produce from Shetland at all sizes of events (e.g. meetings, conferences, food festivals, music and other cultural events)

for Orkney;

• promote co-operation between businesses in order to increase the efficiency of the local food supply chain and provides better returns for the primary producer, e.g. by sharing costs in marketing, distribution and administration
• strengthen links between Orkney producers and their consumers. Establish improved and sustainable farmers market sites across Orkney
• promote use of local produce from Orkney at all sizes of events (e.g. meetings, conferences, food festivals, music and other cultural events).

NIS26c

c. Improvements in environmental performance particularly in resource usage and waste management practices. In particular proposals that:

1, 33 & 35

for Shetland;

• make better use of resources and waste products, i.e. manure, and reduce negative impacts on the local environment.

for Orkney;

• support the processing of all waste from local food producers
• involve the use of bio-digesters as an innovative approach to dealing with food and animal waste and as a source of sustainable energy
• involve participation in waste recycling schemes, e.g. farm plastics recycling initiatives.

NIS27

Higher value rural goods and services being delivered from the primary (agriculture and forestry) manufacturing and processing, and the recreation and tourism sectors, through improvements in quality and reductions in production, processing and transport costs. In particular proposals that:

1, 35 & 36

for Shetland;

• produce distinctive and high quality local products, to a standard that can be used to promote Shetland as a visitor destination.

for Orkney;

• help to improve distinctive and high quality local products that are used to promote Orkney as a visitor destination
• Build on the existing quality reputation of the Orkney tourism product
• Educate and encourage primary producers to embrace opportunities presented by tourism.

NIS28

The increased local use of renewable energy, e.g. woodfuel. In particular proposals that:

33

for Shetland;

• increase local renewable energy generation, primarily for direct on-site use by local businesses, through utilisation of small-scale wind and micro-hydro and hydrogen energy storage technology.

for Orkney;

• support the use of local alternative energy sources particularly where building on successful local initiatives and projects, e.g. wave, tidal, wind, hydrogen and woodfuel.

NIS29

Improved number of career development opportunities, through skills and training initiatives addressing rural skills gaps (complementing work of local enterprise agencies) and incorporating awareness of environmental and social objectives. In particular proposals that:

35

for Shetland;

• improve access to good quality rural skills training for land managers and the wider community, e.g. schools.

for Orkney;

• assist individuals gain or maintain a sustainable living or employment through developing skills particularly those that contribute to sustainability and productivity of their business or employer's business
• increase opportunities for collaborative working, e.g. groupings of craft workers, food producers etc.
• introduce new trainees into the land use sector and which also seek to improve the ability for multi-disciplinary land use
• increase land managers skills to incorporate environmental and social objectives into their own traditional activities.

NIS30

• Improvement in the value and duration of tourism visits in rural areas, including maximising opportunities for green tourism.
• Improvements in integration between access and land management.
• Improvements in facilities for specific user groups including all abilities.

In particular proposals that:

35-37

for Shetland;

• develop or enhance distinctive tourism products related to Shetland's rich natural and cultural heritage and in line with Shetland's tourism plan, heritage programme and brand strategy
• develop and strengthen networks of tourist products within a distinct area, supported by appropriate accommodation, facilities and services.

for Orkney;

• develop a distinctive tourism product utilising, for example, the unique combination of the rich natural environment and cultural heritage spanning 5000 years with the high quality local produce and vibrant arts, crafts and modern outlook of Orkney
• extend the length of the tourist season or increase the visitor flow to outlying areas on the Mainland and especially to the outer isles.