Derek Mitchell looks beyond the urban
In a couple of weeks’ time I’ll be off on an autumn tour of some of our Citizens Advice Bureaux in the Highlands and Islands. I’ll be visiting the CABs in Orkney, Caithness, Ross & Cromarty, Inverness, Skye & Lochalsh and Lochaber.
The CAB network prides itself on being active in every community in the country so it’s important for me to get out of the central belt and visit our hardworking colleagues in more remote areas to hear first-hand their experience and ideas.
The challenges that face people in rural communities are often overlooked. The cost-of-living crisis certainly affects the whole country and there is chronic under-investment in services wherever you live, but those living in rural communities face additional problems, like isolation, digital exclusion and inadequate transport infrastructure. As a result they can feel particularly left behind.
One of the most pressing concerns for those living in remote and rural areas is poverty. Many of these communities rely on seasonal industries, such as tourism and agriculture, which can leave households vulnerable during the rest of the year. The combination of low income and rising living costs forces families to make tough choices about their priorities.
In addition, energy costs – one of the biggest factors in the cost-of-living crisis – tend to be disproportionately higher in northern Scotland due to the colder climate and poorly insulated housing.
Isolation is another significant challenge. In remote and geographically dispersed communities, people often need to travel considerable distances to visit the doctor, jobcentre or shops. For sick and elderly people, or those without private transport, this can lead to feelings of loneliness and despair. The absence of community resources, such as social clubs or support groups, can further contribute to isolation, creating a sense of disconnection from the wider world.
Transport links in rural Scotland can be unreliable or frankly non-existent. Ad-hoc bus schedules can be infrequent and many roads are poorly maintained, making travel difficult, especially in inclement weather. Without proper transport options, individuals may struggle to access services or even keep in touch with loved ones.
Digital exclusion too is a critical issue. The internet has become an essential tool for accessing services, applying for jobs, and connecting with others. However, many rural communities in Scotland still face poor internet connectivity, leaving people unable to take advantage of these opportunities.
Taking all of this into account I know the need for advice and support has never been more crucial and I know our CABs are a vital lifeline to many, many people across rural Scotland. The CAB network is all about bringing solutions to improve peoples’ lives, and I want us to be at the forefront of identifying what problems exist and how they can be solved.
Because despite the challenges, I know there is great resilience and strength among rural communities. A strong advice service is a key and increasingly vital part of that. More needs to be done to create a fair, inclusive and sustainable rural Scotland, where everyone can thrive. I want the CAB network to be at the heart of delivering those solutions.
Derek Mitchell is Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland.
This column was first published in the Herald.
