Tories pledge to boost 'neglected' rural communities

Rural communities that have been “neglected” by the SNP must not be left behind as Scotland recovers from Covid, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives has said.

Launching the party’s rural manifesto at a farm in Inverurie on Sunday, Douglas Ross outlined a number of proposals to create jobs, improve infrastructure and restore public services in rural areas.

The plans include £550m in Community Investment Deals worth up to £25m each to help rural areas bounce back after the pandemic.

The Tories also pledged to end uncertainty for Scotland’s farmers by launching a full public consultation on a blueprint to replace the Common Agricultural Policy within 100 days of the election.

Start-up grants for young farmers and new entrants would be reopened, while an extra £5m a year would be invested in agricultural research and development.

The manifesto also includes a commitment to review sentencing and penalties for rural crime and to put an end to higher delivery charges to remote parts of Scotland.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “Scotland’s rural communities have been neglected by the SNP for too long.

“They have been held back by poor infrastructure, diminished services and a lack of clarity for farmers – this must change now.

“Rural areas must not be left behind as Scotland recovers from Covid-19, so we have set out plans to spread economic growth and improve public services.

“We want to create jobs in these areas, so that no one needs to move away from where they have grown up to find work.

“From rolling out full fibre broadband to ensuring councils receive fair funding, the Scottish Conservatives will give rural areas the support they need to thrive.

“For farmers, we have committed to end the uncertainty by launching a full public consultation on a blueprint for Scotland’s new agricultural policy within 100 days of the election.

“The SNP have dallied and delayed for too long. We would work with the farming sector to design a simple and fair system that works for Scottish farmers and crofters.

“I am committed to putting a stop to the SNP’s centralisation agenda and representing rural communities, so their voices are heard loud and clear at Holyrood.”