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Communities were today urged to speak up for rural Scotland and join the debate into its future.

A three month consultation has been launched on plans devised by the Rural Development Council to help economic recovery.

Speaking at the Turiff Agricultural Show, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"Rural Scotland and its people have a central role to play in strengthening Scotland's economy. It has an important role in meeting the nation's challenges in relation to food, water and energy security and is critical to our efforts to tackle climate change.

"Rural Scotland represents 94 per cent of our land mass, is home to almost one million people and sustains one of the most diverse environments in Europe. It has a lot to offer, not least the energy and dynamism of its people and communities. All this makes it a great place for people to live work and bring up their families - we need to keep it that way.

"The Scottish Government has been working with rural communities and businesses to ensure they are in the strongest position possible to make best use of resources and emerge from the recession in as strong a position as possible.

"That is why, last year, I asked the Rural Development Council to advise me on how best rural Scotland could contribute to this country's overall prosperity.

"Their advice is contained in the document "Speak Up for Rural Scotland". This covers the great majority of issues affecting people today - the economy, land use, renewable energy, community empowerment and activity.

"But, this is not the end of the story. I want to know what rural Scotland thinks of the suggestions the Rural Development Council are making.

"I urge anyone with an interest in rural Scotland to read this document and let me know what these proposals will mean for individuals, communities and organisations.

"Whatever direction we take we must ensure that the energy and enterprising spirit of rural communities can continue to punch above their weight."

The Rural Development Council is an informal group set up in 2008 to provide independent and impartial advice on all rural issues. All members of the Council have particular expertise and interests in rural issues. Brief details of each of the Council members are contained within the Speak Up for Rural Scotland consultation document.

Members include Kate Braithwaite, Director of Carnegie UK Trust Rural Programme, Stuart Housden, Director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland, and Neil MacLeod, Chair of the Scottish Crofting Foundation.

Related Information

Speak up for Rural Scotland consultation