![NFU Scotland's presidential candidates, Andrew Connon [left] and Alasdair Macnab [right], have had their say on the problem of rural depopulation in farming communities.](https://image.chitra.live/api/v1/wps/d237880/b9bebe63-cfc4-4713-9491-b6bdb6e35c5e/3/nfus-presidential-candidates-679x419.jpeg "NFU Scotland's presidential candidates, Andrew Connon [left] and Alasdair Macnab [right], have had their say on the problem of rural depopulation in farming communities.")
NFU Scotland's presidential candidates, Andrew Connon [left] and Alasdair Macnab [right], have had their say on the problem of rural depopulation in farming communities.
NFU Scotland's presidential candidates have called on the Scottish Government to address the problems of depopulation in rural and farming communities.
NFU Scotland
Ahead of the union's AGM in February, current vice-presidents Andrew Connon and Alasdair Macnab have been taking part in husting events over the last month to put forward their case in taking over from incumbent president Martin Kennedy.
The candidates have been demonstrating how their skills and knowledge will be beneficial in effectively lobbying politicians to deliver change and outcomes for crofter and farmers.
Rural depopulation
However, concerns regarding rural depopulation in farming communities has provided timely responses from the candidates on how they will seek to address the problem in the future.
Andrew Connon
Speaking prior to the debate at Shetland Marts in Lerwick on Tuesday (January 21), Mr Connon, who farms near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, said: "There is so much work to be done in shaping policy and standing up for farmers and crofters.
"However, various studies suggest there could be depopulation in all of Scotland's islands unless we halt that decline.
"To halt that decline, we need to maintain rural populations within the islands.
"One of the best ways to do that is to maintain the fabric of these rural communities is through active farming going forward.
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"I understand how fragile the economy is and how we need to support the farming and crofting sector going forward.
"It is essential we support island farming and crofting.
"I recognise how important farming, agriculture and crofting is to Shetland.
Alasdair Macnab
Mr Macnab farms at Kildun, Dingwall, said it was important for rural communities to be supported with rural depopulation.
"I would support additional subsidies being provided to Highland and Island areas like Shetland," he added.
"A lot of my career as a vet in the Civil Service involved working with island and rural communities.
"I have undertaken research regarding the challenges farming enterprises face in addressing rural depopulation.
"Support is essential [moving forward].
"We need to have a radical look at how we support remote communities because keeping them there is essential for the people that live in those areas and the businesses they support.
"Support and levelling the playing field will be essential in what I am seeking to achieve [as NFUS president]."
Addressing Depopulation Action Plan
The Scottish Government's Addressing Depopulation Action Plan (ADAP) was established last year as a strategic policy position in addressing depopulation.
The plan maps a range of new and existing supportive activity being undertaken across national and regional Government.
Craig Hoy
Craig Hoy, MSP for South Scotland, said the Scottish Government needs to do even more to ensure rural communities do not feel like they have been 'forgotten'.
"Scotland is a friendly, welcoming and exciting place to live and work," he added.
"But sadly, and this is something too many of our local authorities are suffering with, is rural depopulation.
"That is a particular problem in our rural and remote areas which have been neglected by the Scottish Government.
Dumfries and Galloway
"In my own region, Dumfries and Galloway has suffered the largest net outward migration of young people anywhere in Scotland.
"This is a serious issue for the South of Scotland, and areas such as the Highlands and Islands.
"I do hope the Government will work with local authorities and with enterprise agencies to tackle this problem which will undoubtedly affect inward migration."
In response to Mr Hoy's statement, the Scottish Government said it has provided support in the region of £90,000 to local authorities, including Dumfries and Galloway Council, to help address the problem of depopulation.
A spokesperson said the funding will be used to explore 'locally-identified priorities' around depopulation, as well as designing a campaign to 'encourage people to move to the area along with inward investment' to support the long-term sustainability of communities.
Mairi Gougeon
Mairi Gougeon, Scotland's Rural Affairs Secretary, said the Government also plans to work with young people in learning how to overcome the challenges of depopulation in farming communities.
"If we are going to address population decline, we need to work with and listen to young people living in rural areas and on islands to develop the right solutions and help them fulfil their ambitions," Ms Gougeon added.
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"By working with the Scottish Rural and Island Youth Parliament, we have a real chance to remove the barriers that stop young people from enjoying all the benefits that rural and island life bring – unique employment opportunities, a strong sense of community and access to the best of Scotland's local produce and natural assets.
"We are going to help community councils to make better use of social media reach out to more people, and particularly younger generations, to be sure that have a say in improving local services.
"Our independent Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population will also take forward research looking at population trends, migration and mobility for young people in island and rural communities, with a particular focus on Gaelic-speaking communities."
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