Rural visa pilot proposed for Scotland

A proposal endorsed by Parliament for a bespoke rural visa pilot scheme for Scotland has been published.

This community-driven and employer-based migration proposal has been jointly developed by the Scottish Government, local authorities and key representatives from employers and partners based within remote and rural communities.

The proposal which requires to be implemented by the UK Government is modelled on the successful Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has written to the UK Government, setting out the proposal alongside a wider call for a tailored migration policy which meets the needs of Scotland’s economy, public services and communities.

Ms Gougeon said:

“The proposal sets out exactly how a bespoke immigration solution could be delivered at a local level in Scotland, now. These are interventions that can work in Scotland, just as they have worked in Canada”.

This proposal calls for the establishment of a Scottish Rural Community Immigration Pilot (SRCIP). The Pilot would represent a new community-driven approach to local migration.

Councillor Emma MacDonald Political Leader of Shetland Council said:

“Shetland has incredible economic opportunities arising over the next few years, with developments in space, energy and decommissioning emerging alongside the continued high performance of our more established sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, construction and agriculture. However, an ageing demographic and shortage of key skills means that we are experiencing real struggles in growing our industries and maintaining key services, threatening economic prosperity and the potential for growth.

Find out more including a range of link to background material here