Purpose / Remit

 

1. The Rural Affairs group will consider key strategic issues with regard to the Scottish rural agenda. It is recognised that local rural operational issues will differ for local authorities depending on the level of rurality within that council area, such as, from peri-urban rural communities to remote rural mainland and island based communities.
2. It is acknowledged that rural affairs represents a cross-cutting theme for consideration for all SLAED thematic groups and in particular the strategic groups of People, Place and Business.
3. Rather than strategic and thematic group papers being ‘rural proofed’ by the Rural Affairs group, it is recommended that local authorities with rural issues ensure that representatives from that local authority on these SLAED groups should actively provide this ‘rural proofing’ activity, if not already doing so.

Current / Forward work programme

 

• Strategic issues for consideration during 2016/17 are as follows:

Access and infrastructure issues specific to rural areas.

Land Reform (including Crown Estate issues).

Primary sectors (agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture) within rural areas.

Impact of devolution on the rural economy.

• On an ad hoc basis, the Rural Affairs group will input to specific rural issues as they arise. In particular, in liaison with the SLAED European thematic group and the Scottish Government, as appropriate, this group can provide a SLAED view with regard to the progress of the Scottish Rural Development Programme with a focus on LEADER and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for the programming period 2014-2020.

Topical Notes

 

This area is under development.