Questions
1. The development of relevant Scottish Government mainstream policies should consider the effect upon the Rural Economic Strategy and its consequent policies.
• How should policy makers in Government make sure that the economic needs of rural Scotland are taken into account?
representatives of rural industries should sit on committees and boards
Please select one item
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Yes
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No
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Don't know
2. Create quality job opportunities (that are well paid, flexible, and purposeful) to promote skills and opportunities, but also deal with inequalities in the rural labour market (such as the gender pay gap).
What employment opportunities do we need to meet the current and future needs of our changing rural economy? Where should these be? (either by location and/or sector)
Farming, fisheries and digital health industries should be more involved in schools and colleges. Much more investment in Moray. Moray should be the base for a world class training facility of any type. Agricultural Engineering, Marine Engineering, Wind farm and Distillery Engineering facilities should all be based in Moray. As should Diving and Offshore facilities. Much more investment should be made in Moray College as a world class training facility.
• How do we tackle the inequalities we face in rural Scotland? i.e. challenges faced due to age, gender, socio-economic, educational and ethnic background
Schools and Colleges need to have plans in place for everyone who is home-schooled or spends time away from school to work on farms/crofts.
Many more outreach / travelling teachers should be employed.
All farms and crofts should have first class broadband in order to have a successful business and participate in online learning.
Social services should be in contact with every rural aged person.
Doctors should physically go out to people to assess they needs.
Rural Business people educating others about how to start up a business or charity.
Many more outreach / travelling teachers should be employed.
All farms and crofts should have first class broadband in order to have a successful business and participate in online learning.
Social services should be in contact with every rural aged person.
Doctors should physically go out to people to assess they needs.
Rural Business people educating others about how to start up a business or charity.
3. Build on existing work to gather evidence and data to measure the true value of the rural economy and monitor its growth.
• What specific outcomes of rural businesses should be the measured and why?
Staff turnover
Profits
looking closely at board members as fit and proper people.
Nepotism
Quality of products
Human trafficking and exploitation
Profits
looking closely at board members as fit and proper people.
Nepotism
Quality of products
Human trafficking and exploitation
4. Encourage future entrepreneurship by ensuring the Scottish Government’s rural skills action plan meets the needs of the Rural Economic Strategy.
What skills are required to have a vibrant rural economy?
Skills for PR, tourism, new and innovative practice which has the ethics of sustainability in a rural sense.
How do we best ensure that people of all ages, genders, areas, socio-economic, educational and ethnic backgrounds receive appropriate support?
Many more Community groups should be better supported.
Instead of people travelling to help, take the help to them.
Leave no-one behind despite age, gender etc. Treat everyone equally and give the same opportunity and the same wage. if someone is doing a job it should have the same pay whether you are 16 or 60.
Instead of people travelling to help, take the help to them.
Leave no-one behind despite age, gender etc. Treat everyone equally and give the same opportunity and the same wage. if someone is doing a job it should have the same pay whether you are 16 or 60.
5. Develop opportunities for the businesses of urban and rural Scotland to share ideas and work together.
5 How do you think we could do this? (for example through schools or membership organisation groups)
Much more collaboration and 'twinning' of organisations of every type. E.g. a support group in Moray twinning with a support group in Manchester.
People of rural places must travel more.
Better transport links.
At the very least should have VC opportunities.
People of rural places must travel more.
Better transport links.
At the very least should have VC opportunities.
5 Facilitating learning/sharing between urban and rural areas to improve and have a better understanding of the opportunities that are available would be new for Scotland. What would interest you in this approach? Are there any benefits/drawbacks?
A great approach. Much more opportunity to 'get out' more and get fresh ideas even if they wouldn't work they could be adapted to work.
Transport and money would be drawbacks.
Transport and money would be drawbacks.
6. Create communities of interest (digital, physical) where businesses and people can come together to solve problems, share ideas and understand opportunities.
Is there any place that you can think of in your community where people already do this? Can you please tell us about it?
Moray College
Highland and Islands Enterprise
Highland and Islands Enterprise
What might be the benefits of this approach?
Communication and needs identified.
What things would your local community need to help people in your local area come together?
Transport and internet access.
Educational opportunities and larger community spaces
Educational opportunities and larger community spaces
7. Help ensure there are the same opportunities and access to services between urban and rural areas.
For people living and working in rural areas there are often big differences compared to urban areas in what services might be available (things like broadband, childcare, transport, community development etc.).. What do you need to enable you to choose to live and work in rural Scotland?
broadband, transport, a proper full time permanent job - not zero hours contracts.
8. Make sure Government policies, regulations, planning and support mechanisms help local businesses.
What types of policies, regulations, planning and business support need to be strengthened or removed to help a wide variety of small and micro businesses in rural areas?
Remove the gig economy. No zero hours, or temp positions.
Change the job role with the seasons.
All rural positions are weather dependant. Support people to diversify throughout the year.
All business should be owned by all employees. Worker Cooperatives
Change the job role with the seasons.
All rural positions are weather dependant. Support people to diversify throughout the year.
All business should be owned by all employees. Worker Cooperatives
Can you think of any problems in transport, housing, social care and digital infrastructure that prevent economic growth for your industry sector, business or community?
Weather
Transport links
lack of communication
no joined up thinking
Transport links
lack of communication
no joined up thinking
9. Make sure that community resources that contribute to our economy (like tourist attractions) also deliver benefits to their communities.
Are there examples of attractions in your community that you would like to promote? What could help you do this?
Marine life
Wind farm technology
Investment and free training
Wind farm technology
Investment and free training
About you
What is your name?
Name
Michele Smith
Are you responding as an individual or an organisation?
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(Required)
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Individual
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Organisation