Rural Parliament calls for democratic renewal 10/11/14
Scotland's first Rural Parliament has closed with a call for action to achieve a more empowered, connected and sustainable rural Scotland.
Delegates want the Scottish Government to commit to a national conversation on local democratic renewal as a first step towards radical reform of local government to bring power closer to communities.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “This was one of the largest rural grassroots gatherings ever held in Scotland and it has been a real privilege to join hundreds of activists from across the country for debate and discussion of such exceptionally high quality.
“I was extremely impressed by their energy and enthusiasm to make rural Scotland prosper and our nation owes them all big thanks for all they do.
“I now look forward to seeing how the work of the Rural Parliament will be taken
forward, including informing the work of the Smith Commission and Scotland’s Rural
Network, as well any future follow-
Scottish Rural Parliament Chair John Hutchison said: "Participants have made it clear
they want a much stronger voice for rural Scotland -
"Our message to Scottish Governments and other agencies that we want them to support
rural communities and the Rural Parliament to decide and deliver more of what they
aspire to, including tailored support arrangements for community-
"Rural communities need national and local governments to get behind their efforts to empower themselves and plan their own futures.”