The needs and interests of rural Scotland are at the very heart of the Executive's policies and priorities. The creation of the Scottish Parliament has brought government closer to the Scottish people, and has provided the opportunity for us all to think again about how we view Scotland - what we see as its assets, its weaknesses, and how we should be developing ways forward more suited to local circumstances.
When I was appointed Minister for Rural Affairs, I wanted to see rural Scotland for myself and hear from the people who live and work in rural areas what issues concerned them most. I have visited many parts of Scotland over the past year, and have been impressed by what I have seen. I have also learned a great deal. The messages from these visits, and the discussions which I have had with colleagues on the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development, have demonstrated that many of the issues of concern, and areas where action is felt to be required, arise where policy makers have either failed to acknowledge the problem or its rural dimension, or have failed to understand that one solution does not suit everyone. As a result, the issue may not have been tackled in a way that is sensitive to rural circumstances.
We are resolved to change this, and to bring a new approach to policy making at all levels. This approach cannot be a top-down one, but must involve people at all levels who have an interest in and care about rural Scotland - people who live in our rural communities. Together, we need to do more than just tackle problems. We also need to build on the strengths of our rural communities and businesses, recognising their potential. That is why we have developed a long-term vision for rural Scotland - what we aspire to. I hope all will agree that it is an aim worth working towards. It will guide our policies and programmes over the coming months and years.
We have already started the process of assessing how our current performance measures up to this vision, and what needs to be done to help deliver it. This document sets out the good work which is taking place and what more we plan to do in the short term. It also explains how we aim to work with others - nationally and locally - to take forward this new approach - one which values rural Scotland for what it is and can be and aims to secure its role in the modern Scotland of the 21st century.
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Ross Finnie msp