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Voice of the countryside

Scottish Countryside Alliance

We are a political campaigning force that promotes and protects the rural way of life, representing the interests of our members, supporters and rural communities in parliament, in the media and on the ground. To find out more, sign up to our Heather Routes Newsletter.

Scottish Countryside

What do we do?

The work of the Scottish Countryside Alliance is underpinned by our four key pillars; all of which exemplify the main reasons why we campaign for rural communities.

Sustainable rural community
Environmental stewardship
Challenge misinformation and bias
Public benefit
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Sustainable rural community

We want our members and supporters to be able to live and work in rural areas without barriers. We continue to lobby our parliament on issues such as rural transport networks, the cost-of-living crisis and fuel poverty.

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Environmental stewardship

Hunting with Dogs and the Land Reform legislation are just two of the campaigns we are involved in. Our team keep abreast of all the latest rural campaigning for our members and sit on a number of political advisory committees.

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Challenge misinformation and bias

Our team will always challenge misinformation and bias in the press and promote the benefits of rural living in a positive way.

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Public benefit

We provide guidance and help to our members on issues affecting their rural way of life. From lobbying MSPs to professional guidance on applying for NatureScot licences.

What do we do?

The work of the Scottish Countryside Alliance is underpinned by our four key pillars; all of which exemplify the main reasons why we campaign for rural communities.

Sustainable rural community

star

Sustainable rural community

We want our members and supporters to be able to live and work in rural areas without barriers. We continue to lobby our parliament on issues such as rural transport networks, the cost-of-living crisis and fuel poverty.

Environmental stewardship

star

Environmental stewardship

Hunting with Dogs and the Land Reform legislation are just two of the campaigns we are involved in. Our team keep abreast of all the latest rural campaigning for our members and sit on a number of political advisory committees.

Challenge misinformation and bias

star

Challenge misinformation and bias

Our team will always challenge misinformation and bias in the press and promote the benefits of rural living in a positive way.

Public benefit

star

Public benefit

We provide guidance and help to our members on issues affecting their rural way of life. From lobbying MSPs to professional guidance on applying for NatureScot licences.

Scottish Countryside Alliance

Learn more about the Scottish Countryside Alliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is my representative in Scotland?

The Director for Scottish Countryside Alliance is Jake Swindells and our Campaigns Officer is Jill Stewart. You can contact Jake via e-mail at jake-swindells@countryside-alliance.org and Jill at jill-stewart@countryside-alliance.org

How can I support the Scottish Countryside Alliance?

The best way to support the Scottish Countryside Alliance is by becoming a member. In doing so, you will become a part of our membership community. Together we are the voice of the countryside. Other ways that you can support the Scottish Countryside Alliance include:

  • Signing up to receive the latest updates about our campaigns through our monthly Heather Routes newsletter.
  • Sharing our work with your friends and family to enable Scottish rural communities to support each other.
  • Sharing our world of hunting, shooting and fishing with everyone you know who have not had the chance to get involved with country pursuits; get them out into the Scottish countryside!
  • Visiting our stand at the Scottish Game Fair, held annually at Scone Palace, Perth, to discuss our work with our representatives.
  • Following our social media profile on X. Make sure to share and engage with our posts.
  • Letting us know if you have any newsworthy stories in your local area related to rural issues and country pursuits. We can generate press releases and help to promote the good work of our rural communities.
How do I lobby my MSP?

It is vital that MSPs are made aware of the concerns of people in rural areas. This is best done by contacting your MSP directly and raising the issues that matter to you and your community with them.

 

MSPs can be contacted by letter, email, telephone or a meeting arranged in Scottish Parliament, or locally at a constituency surgery. Find your MSP and their contact details here.

 

Scottish Parliamentary rules mean that MSPs are only able to act on behalf of their own constituents so make sure you include your full name, address and postcode in any letter or email. As a constituent, you should expect to receive a response to your correspondence. To arrange a meeting, contact the constituency office or look on the MSP’s website. You can also telephone the MSP’s office in Holyrood by contacting the Scottish Parliament switchboard on 0131 348 5000 or 0800 092 7500 (freephone) and asking for your MSP by name.

 

For more information or guidance, please contact the Countryside Alliance political team at political@countryside-alliance.org or on 0207 840 9260.

Is the Scottish Countryside Alliance part of the Countryside Alliance?

Yes, we are part of the Countryside Alliance. The Scottish Countryside Alliance has a dedicated team based in Scotland that deals with all Scottish rural campaigns.

How does the Scottish Countryside Alliance support and represent rural communities?

We are at the forefront of campaigning directly to MSPs from all political parties and represent our members rights and interests at parliamentary meetings and committee sessions. We work closely and in collaboration with partner organisations to ensure that the rights of all our members are met. We seek to work in partnership with government bodies such as NatureScot and Police Scotland, to ensure that our members are treated fairly and without bias.

Who do I contact if I have a firearms query?

In the first instance, you should contact Jake, your Director for Scotland. Jake will then discuss your query with you in detail and advise you on the course of action. Together, you can decide on the next steps to get your query resolved.

Who do I contact if I have a query about completing a NatureScot licence?

Jake or Jill will be able to help you with general queries relating to the application process for species licensing or for muirburn licensing through the NatureScot online system. See 'Who is my representative in Scotland' for more details.

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