SCOTLAND'S rural economy faces the greatest challenge for generations within Brexit � and the potential constitutional changes that could follow.
Talking at Scottish Land and Estates' annual conference in Edinburgh upon Tuesday, the landowner organisation's leader David Johnstone said that rural companies would have to demonstrate "unprecedented creativity" in order to adapt if they are to survive and flourish in the turmoil ahead.
Mister Johnstone suggested that would mean companies widening their focus beyond the main industries such as forestry or farming, and embracing fundamental change within how they make their money. To do this, he urged government and countryside business to work together "as never ever before" to ensure rural communities plus businesses are not left behind in the hurry of change.
“We are living in an era of large volatility and whatever the outcome of Brexit and the constitutional situation, change is definitely inevitable, " he warned. "Rural businesses themselves will have to lead the way in which as government cannot do it all of.
“We are shifting towards a situation where there will be less cash available through direct support, whether it is channelled from the European Union or a household source. That will mean increasing the particular profitability of rural businesses is going to be key to ensuring that they are robust to face up to the challenges. "
In a nod towards Defra's mentioned preference for more of the farm assistance budget to be tied to environmental goals, he suggested that whatever general public funding remained after Brexit obtainable was likely to be directed differently, in the expense of old-style production facilitates.
“Where the government can help our rural areas is in offering the infrastructure we need to do business, which usually unleashes the entrepreneurial potential inside the countryside, " he suggested. "Better connectivity, including transport and digital communications, is key to the success associated with business change. �
Lyn Forbes, one of the owners associated with Loch Ness Shores, an award winning camping and caravanning site, furthermore explained to conference attendees how they acquired equipped themselves to face the problems posed by future change.
Opened in 2013 within the village of Foyers on the loch’s southeast shore, the area occupied simply by Loch Ness Shores was initially part of a farm. Historically, a nearby aluminium smelter had employed 500 people in the area, but after the closure in 1967, the town had one into decline. Using a growing awareness that tourism offered the best opportunity for sustainable growth within an area of outstanding beauty, the Forbes family decided to diversify. They right now boast a 5-star accreditation through VisitScotland, World Host status along with a Gold Green Tourism Award.
Mrs Forbes said: “It had been obvious for a number of years the farm was too small to become sustainable, so my husband Donald appeared for other opportunities within farming to supplement his income. Nevertheless , as rumours spread that the town shop was going to close, we were decided that we must use our resources to help the community, existing and brand new businesses and also establish a sustainable company for ourselves.
“The time taken to navigate the planning procedure was a real challenge, and at periods it appeared that hurdle right after hurdle was being placed in our route, " she recalled. "However, our own success means we now employ 4 full-time and four part-time employees, with a further six jobs during the summer � most of whom are employed through the local area.
“Businesses like ours need to be making choices since will serve them well for your next decade and beyond. �
By Gordon Davidson
For in-depth information and views on Scottish farming, see this Friday’s issue from the Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer
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