Policy

UK Government must rethink support for rural people living in poverty, say experts in new book

The needs of the poorest and most vulnerable people living in the countryside are overlooked and underserved by UK Government policy in comparison with those in urban areas, say academics in a new book.…

SRUC
14/03/2023

Agriculture Bill provides just transition opportunity, but only if we embrace innovation

I see opportunity, particularly for rapid growth in our natural economy – but only if we take steps to act quickly, decisively and with ambition.…

Prof Wayne Powell, Principal and CEO, SRUC
13/12/2022

Breathing life back into Scotland’s neglected crofts

SAC Consulting, part of SRUC, has recognised that legislation surrounding crofting is presenting barriers to succession planning and the team has been helping individuals to better understand their options, to maximise the potential of their croft and to support the next generation get a foot hold in the industry.…

SRUC
05/12/2022

SRUC Alliance for the Natural Economy Forum

In this blog piece by Dr Susannah Bolton, she reflects on a dinner held at Scotland House, in the City of London, where SRUC convened a group of people to discuss what a “just transition to a natural economy” really means.…

Dr Susannah Bolton
01/12/2022

What can Scotland learn from Japan about island depopulation?

A cross-cultural research team comprised of both UK- and Japan-based researchers examine some specific strategies used on a small number of Japanese islands in order to understand the viability of using them to tackle depopulation trends in Scotland’s island communities.…

Luke Dilley and Jane Atterton
16/11/2022

Rural movement can boost influence of communities in policy making

A rural movement for Scotland can boost the voices and influence of communities in national policy-making decisions – but it needs to be designed to be truly representative of the diverse voices across Scotland's rural and island areas.…

SRUC
08/09/2022

Latest Rural Policy Centre podcast focuses on COP26

The latest episode of SRUC’s Rural Policy Podcast is now available, focusing on the challenges facing the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP26).…

SRUC
05/10/2021

Urban greenspace benefits deprived and ethnic minority communities

While urban greenspace is often associated with improved mental health, new research has found the benefits are dependent on the characteristics of the population using the space - and their proximity to it.…

SRUC
21/09/2021

Survey finds support for widening land ownership

Nearly three quarters of people in Scotland support widening ownership of both urban and rural land, a public survey has found.…

SRUC
14/05/2021

Call for post-lockdown action in rural areas

Many more rural residents will be at risk of poverty and financial hardship after lockdown ends unless action is taken, a new study has warned.…

SRUC
07/05/2021

Review highlights holes in rabbit legislation

Although bunnies are a symbol of Easter and the third most popular pet in the UK, a review by SRUC shows they are under-represented in most legislation.…

SRUC
03/04/2021

Integrated approach to repopulating remote areas

International initiatives leading to the repopulation of islands and remote rural communities could be replicated across Scotland – with adequate financial and community backing.…

SRUC
07/08/2020