A report highlighting ten key outcomes to ensure a sustainable future for the rural economy in Scotland has been presented to the Scottish Government following one of the biggest consultations in recent years.
The consultation, which was coordinated by the National Council of Rural Advisers (NCRA), an independent body providing advice and recommendations on rural policy to the Scottish Government, took place earlier this year.
130 responses and comments were received in response to an initial discussion document that was drawn up by the NCRA following a series of workshops and events across the country.
The recommendations made in the report, which is described as a blueprint for Scotland?s rural economy, include recognition of the strategic importance of the rural economy and ensuring that it is included within all policy and decision-making processes.
The report also recommends developing an interim rural economic framework to provide a structure for the development and implementation of a new approach to rural policy, development support and investment.
The creation of a rural economy action group to ensure that the recommendations of the report are set in place and that those involved are held to account is also called for in the report.
The report features Alyth’s very own Piotr Gudan (pictured above) who runs his adventure company Outdoor Explore from The Barony on Commercial Street.
Links to the full press release, the report and consultation responses can be viewed online at www.ncra.scot