Rural services

A new anonymous research survey has been launched to gather data on the wider implications of farm crime across the UK.

While many reports talk about the effect farm crime has on the financial and business aspect of farming, this is the first piece of academic research to address the psychological impact farm crime has on victims.

An upcoming Scottish Rural Action conference will kick start a 'rural movement' to make rural Scotland's voice heard.

Representatives from rural Scotland's communities, businesses and organisations are invited to attend the free event taking place from 26 to 27 February at New Lanark Visitor Centre, the renowned world heritage site.

The European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) have published a new thematic briefing on Smart Villages and rural mobility.

The briefing includes information on how Smart Villages can support the development of sustainable initiatives and the testing of new solutions in the area of mobility and travel.

The third round of the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) is now open for applications.

Tourists sites in rural Scotland are being encouraged to apply for a share of £3 million funding. RTIF aims to help tourist attractions and their communities deal with the impact of increased visitor numbers on local infrastructure by helping with improvements like parking areas, visitor facilities and recycling points.

The Scottish Government wants to support families in accessing high quality, flexible and affordable Out of School Care which benefits children, parents and carers. That is why earlier this year an Out of School Care in Scotland - Draft Framework consultation was launched.

Scottish Ministers are meeting in Inverness today, 28 October, for a convention on how to tackle issues affecting the Highlands and Islands.

The main topics of discussion at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands include climate change and population growth as well as economic opportunities related to energy, marine and technologies, and the expected impact of Brexit on rural communities.   

Businesses in remote and rural areas are being encouraged to take part in a short survey on parcel delivery costs.

As part of its commitment to tackling the longstanding issue of unfair parcel delivery costs to rural areas, the Scottish Government is looking to hear from businesses that buy and/or sell goods online.

It wants to find out more about the impact that surcharging has on your business and your thoughts about existing action on the issue.

The first ever National Islands Plan for Scotland has been laid before the Scottish Parliament for consideration.

The proposed National Islands Plan provides a framework for action in order to meaningfully improve outcomes for Scotland's island communities.