Scottish Parliament Elections 2021: It's time to have your say

The Scottish Countryside has launched its manifesto: Priorities for Rural Scotland.

Ahead of the Scottish Parliament election on 6th May, the Scottish Countryside Alliance has called on the next Scottish Government and all political parties to focus on rural crime; digital connectivity; the rural economy; and the importance of country sports and associated land management practices.

The countryside faces significant challenges now Scotland has left the European Union and as it recovers from COVID-19. As such, the next Scottish Government must pursue policies that do something for the countryside rather than to the countryside.

We have called on the next Scottish Government to:

• Pursue rural policy that will protect, connect, grow and enrich rural Scotland.
• Pursue policy based on sound evidence and research taking into consideration the wider implications to those it will impact.
• Pursue policy for the countryside not to the countryside.

The manifesto can be read here.

As well as our Manifesto, we have also launched our Election hub. Here you can read our Manifesto, see our responses to individual party manifestos, and also take part in our e-lobby.

The e-lobby is a chance to contact your candidates and find out their views on issues related to rural communities including, rural crime; digital connectivity; Scotland's rural economy and land management, including pest control.

We would encourage everyone to take part, as together we can, and will, demonstrate a strong collective rural voice.

Scottish Countryside Alliance spokesman Ed Rowlandson said: "Rural Scotland is an interwoven tapestry of cultural, economic, environmental and community issues. A threat to any one aspect could lead to the unravelling of the whole, which is why promoting and protecting Scotland's rural communities will be important for the next Scottish Government, especially now we have left the European Union and as we recover from the devastation COVID-19 has caused.

"Rural policy must be based on sound evidence and research. Too often political parties play politics with the countryside, not recognising the needs of those who live and work there, or the consequences that poor legislation creates.

"The next Scottish Government must recognise that the success of rural Scotland is dependent on each sector, community and business working together to deliver on Scotland's environmental and economic ambitions."

Please note the Scottish Countryside Alliance is apolitical and does not support any particular party or candidate.

Our e-lobby is now closed.