Rural services

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has taken the keys to its new glasshouse as part of the multimillion-pound redevelopment and modernisation project at Newton Nursery near Elgin.

A new Scottish Government survey will help develop the forthcoming Rural Delivery Plan (RDP) and is an opportunity to take a fresh look at how to bring about change and address the issues in mainland rural Scotland.

Rural Scotland accounts for 98% of the land mass of Scotland and 17% of the population.

Scotland's New National Islands Plan Online Consultation

The Scottish Government is inviting islanders, community groups and stakeholders to join the conversation on Scotland's new National Islands Plan, which will be published later this year.

Orkney’s farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.

First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.

Farmers and crofters will benefit from £20 million additional capital support this year and £26 million next year, First Minister John Swinney has confirmed.

Speaking at the NFU Scotland annual conference he outlined how at least £14 million of the funding will deliver a Future Farming Investment Scheme, providing flexible capital grants.

Scotland’s New National Islands Plan Engagement

The Scottish Government is inviting islanders, community groups and stakeholders to join the conversation on Scotland's new National Islands Plan, which will be published later this year.

Scottish Rural and Islands Transport Community (SRITC) has published their draft report summarising findings from the first stage of their Rural & Islands Mobility Plan (RIMP) project. 

The draft is the result of extensive research and insights gathered since 2020, and includes:

  • An assessment of how effectively transport authorities communicate strategies to these communities.

Scottish agricultural charity RSABI has announced the appointment of Jane Mitchell and Stephen Young as its new Chair and Vice-Chair.

Ms Mitchell takes over the reins as chair from Jimmy McLean who has completed his two-year term at the helm and remains a trustee for a further year.

A compilation of time-series data showing Rural Scotland trends has been published by Scottish Government.

Last week saw the launch of the second round of the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund (Monday 20 January 2025), which supports community-led project groups in Scotland to develop local nature restoration projects.

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