The rural aspects of the SNP-Green coalition’s programme for government outlined by First Minister Humza Yousaf have been given a lukewarm reception by opposition parties.
In a wide-ranging speech, Mr Yousaf outlined the introduction of 14 new bills – including the much-anticipated agriculture bill – in addition to the 11 pieces of legislation currently under consideration at Holyrood.
The First Minster said £750 million will be invested to support the delivery of affordable homes, with ten percent of those located in rural and island communities. He also pointed to the £25 million fund to provide homes for key workers in rural areas. The Scottish Government will invest £60 million this year to acquire empty properties for use as affordable homes.
READ MORE: The Scottish Government has run out of ideas and energy
In a separate ‘mandate letter’ to Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, the First Minister highlighted a number of priorities for the rural portfolio, including land reform, new crofting opportunities, passing the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill and maximising the power of land and forests to help tackle climate change.
After the statement, Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs spokesperson Rachael Hamilton MSP, said: “The SNP-Green government’s legislative programme for the year ahead was pitifully thin on the ground for rural Scotland.
“Our farmers, crofters and agriculture sector would have been tuned into Humza Yousaf’s statement with great anticipation, only to be badly let down once again.
“There was only a passing mention of the long-awaited agriculture bill, which the industry is desperate to see the details on. That is simply not good enough and shows once again that the needs of rural Scotland are at the bottom of the priority list for this SNP-Green government.
“Given the huge challenges, they are currently facing, our farmers, crofters and agriculture sector deserved to hear some meat on the bone as to what future support will look like and when this bill will finally be brought to the chamber.
READ MORE: SNP/Green coalition to clarify agriculture bill timing
“The SNP-Green government are out-of-touch with the needs of our rural towns and villages and are not focused on their real priorities including delivering an agriculture bill with food production at its heart, prioritising crucial road upgrades, protecting rural GP services, improving broadband coverage and delivering lifeline ferry services.
“With the extremist Greens also dictating the policy agenda, rural residents and businesses are anxious about what the future holds.
“That is why it was so disappointing that Humza Yousaf failed to offer any sort of hope for rural Scotland in his Programme for Government, with rural Scotland cast aside once again.”
Labour spokesperson Rhoda Grant said: “The SNP’s lacklustre and uninspiring programme for government seemed to avoid discussing rural affairs altogether.
“The only mention of ferries, reforming land ownership, agriculture or crofting were rehashed promises that appear to have slipped even further back in the Government’s list of priorities.
“This dismal state of affairs reveals just how temperamental the SNP’s attitude to Scotland’s rural areas is. Our rural and island communities deserve better than a government that fails to address their needs at every turn.”
READ MORE: Farmers see red on Green agenda
Speaking for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Claire McLaren said:
“Rural and farming communities will believe the Scottish Government’s promises when they see them.
“The crucial agriculture bill looks like it will finally arrive this year and with it the vital deal on the future of agricultural support but hopes have been thwarted before so the devil will be in the detail.
“The failure to deliver this bill has held back investment in the sector. Likewise, crofting reform is an area where the Scottish Government’s attentions have been long overdue.
“People are really struggling and it is clear that the SNP Government is not equal to the challenges.
"Scottish Liberal Democrats want to see a government who will focus on delivering clarity and support to rural communities, prioritise food production and effective land management to allow economic investment."
First Minister Humza Yousaf
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here