EMMA WELCOMES THE BENEFITS OF THE MIGRATION PAPER FOR RURAL AREAS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Emma has visited local businesses in Fort Augustus, talking about the Scottish Government’s latest Building a New Scotland paper which focuses on migration policy in an independent Scotland and how it could support them deal with the impact of rural depopulation. 

Since the end of the freedom of movement after Scotland was taken out of the EU against its will, there have been significant recruitment challenges for rural areas that is impacting the provision of services in their communities – especially within agriculture, hospitality, health and social care sectors. 

The sixth paper in the Building a New Scotland series was released in Dundee on Friday [3rd of November], outlining ‘Migration to Scotland after independence’.   

The paper proposes new visa routes for people to live, work, and study in Scotland. The ‘Live in Scotland’ route would incorporate a ‘placed-based element’, which would aim to encourage migration to rural and island communities to help tackle the challenges of depopulation and worker shortages in these areas. New proposals also include expanding a seasonal worker visa under the ‘Work in Scotland’ route that would support the hospitality and tourism sector across the Highlands and Islands.  

On the release of the paper and its importance to the Highlands and Islands, Emma said:   

“The proposals outlined in this paper sets out how differently an independent Scotland could approach migration and the issues we are currently facing with depopulation.  

“In an independent Scotland, we would be able to welcome those who want to contribute to our communities, supporting rural and island areas to become more sustainable by attracting talent and increasing the working-age population.   

“We know that local businesses across Scotland, but particularly in our rural and island communities, are struggling to find staff, especially during the summer season, which many are reliant on. I spoke with the manager of a local hotel in Fort Augustus on my visit about how the UK’s immigration policy is impacting their ability to fill vacancies. The migration paper demonstrates that we could make a difference to these challenges with the full powers of independence.  

“I want to make it clear to rural areas that an independent Scotland will benefit them, easing the pressures local businesses and communities are currently facing due to Westminster’s current hostile approach to migration.  

“In an independent Scotland, we will be able to shape migration around Scotland’s needs, which includes ensuring our rural and island communities are supported so that they can continue to thrive.”