Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: Youth case study
This case study has been produced as part of Stage 3 of the Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review. The case study presents findings from research with young people aged between 18 and 30 living or working in rural or island areas of Scotland.
Key learning and recommendations from the youth case study
Young people across rural and island Scotland participating in this research greatly appreciated the opportunity and mechanisms to support their own futures, and those of their communities. Young people volunteered their time for Youth Local Action Groups, playing a key role in the distribution of funding and inputting into national policy, while networking across communities and regions. As well as the impact on their local communities, involvement in the groups had a significant impact on individuals, with reported improvements in skills, knowledge and confidence.
Institutional support for Youth Local Action Groups is crucial to their success, requiring ongoing and predictable funding and dedicated support staff to both maintain existing groups and support the establishment of new ones. Only through maintaining and enhancing these structures can young people continue to support local development within their regions and influence decision-making at national levels.
Contact
Email: socialresearch@gov.scot