Rural services

Local authorities will be able to charge a premium of up to 100% on council tax for second homes under legislation aiming to increase the availability of housing.

If approved by Parliament, the secondary legislation would bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes, which can already be subject to a 100% premium on the full rate of council tax. Latest figures show that as at September 2022 there were 24,287 second homes in Scotland.

Libraries across Scotland can apply to the Public Library Improvement Fund to help finance creative projects and sustainable services.

Projects that could be supported under the £450,000 Scottish Government fund include tackling the cost of living crisis, bridging the digital divide, tackling the attainment gap for children and young people, or addressing sustainable development goals.

The Scottish Library and Information Council, administrators of the fund, will make awards in line with the aims and ambitions of its current strategy.

Scotland’s first ever National Islands Plan was published in 2019 and is now being reviewed as required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, which may lead to the publication of a new National Islands Plan. 

A fund designed to support local regeneration and sustainable development around Scotland’s coast has been launched by Crown Estate Scotland (CES).

The Sustainable Communities Fund, is made up of two different programmes. Total investment across the two programmes could reach £750,000 over the next three years.

Organisations awarded share of accessible advice fund.

People struggling to manage their household finances can now benefit from increased support in a range of community settings thanks to a new accessible advice fund.

Almost £1 million has been distributed to partnerships between advice agencies and other local services such as schools, charities, hospitals and mental health services.

The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is seeking your views on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced by the Scottish Government on Tuesday 13th June 2023.

There are two ways you can share your views with the Parliament. You can:

Old Pinwherry School Cosy Space
Name of organisation/business: 
Pinwherry and Pinmore Community Development Trust (PPCDT)
Funding: 
£6710.56 - Community Led local Development - Ayrshire Rural and Islands Ambition (ARIA) - Small Capital Fund (2022/23)

SEDA Land. Building Futures in Rural Scotland 2: Can Local Government Lead?

This is the second in the series of SEDA Land Conversations building on its successful Building Futures Conversation held on 18 April 2023. As with the earlier events, this will be on entirely online event via Zoom for which you will receive a link to join in when you purchase a place.

Scottish Rural Action August Member Meet Up

Join Scottish Rural Action (SRA) for another members' event, this time to meet their new member of staff, Christine, and to learn about and discuss the work they are doing to connect village halls and community spaces across rural and island Scotland. This is an informal, friendly event so do join with a cuppa!

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee at the Scottish Parliament is planning an inquiry into healthcare in remote and rural areas and want to hear from the public about what they should focus their inquiry on.

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