Youth

Depopulation is a real threat to many of Scotland’s island communities, but a recent study in Uist shows that this chain of islands may be shirking the trend of young people leaving for a more urban lifestyle.

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.

Amaze Me LEADER is a project developed by the Dumfries & Galloway LEADER Local Action Group to bring young people’s voices to the fore in rural community development. Getting young people involved in local decision making is key to the sustainability of our local communities and Dumfries & Galloway LEADER are keen to support that dialogue on both a local and national level.

Last week, as partners in the Rural Youth Project, the Scottish Rural Network (SRN) attended the first Rural Youth Ideas Festival at Hilton of Aldie Farm, Kinross. The event was attended by over 80 young rural people from all over the world, and we were lucky enough to hear some of their inspirational stories. We were also spoiled with food, drink and entertainment at the festival – not to mention the stunning family farm location.

The Scottish Rural Network (SRN) will be focusing on rural young people this August.

To mark Scotland's Year of Young People 2018, SRN will be posting videos, interviews, project profiles and features through our website, newsletter and social media channels over the course of the month, and encouraging others to join in and add their own content using the hashtag #RuralYouthAugust.

The results of a new survey show that 71% of young people living in rural locations feel optimistic about their future - despite the challenges of transport, access to services, employment and connectivity. The Rural Youth Project survey, conducted between January and June 2018, has collated the opinions of over 750 young people living or working in a rural areas in the UK and further afield - including respondents from Australia, Canada, Sweden and the United States. 

The Rural Youth Project is a research-based initiative which aims to facilitate the involvement of young people in agricultural and rural activity. The scheme develops strategies to support Scotland’s rural youth by better understanding their current situation, aspirations, opportunities and challenges.

Mairi Gougeon MSP, the new Scottish Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, has recently announced that £600,000 of funding will be made available to groups and organisations across Scotland for outdoor learning programmes. Ms.

In this new Foundation Apprenticeship opportunity, pupils will have the chance to work in SRUC’s laboratories and the college’s Rural Skills outreach programme will see lecturers deliver classes in East Lothian two days a week.

During a visit to the SRUC stand at the Royal Highland Show, Jamie Hepburn, Scotland’s Employability and Skills Minister, praised the scheme.