Our third Rural SEN session of 2024 was held on 17 September 2024, with a focus on tackling depopulation in rural communities.
The first session of the Rural SEN was conducted by Thomas Fisher and Theona Morrison from Uist Beò and CoDel. They presented statistical data from the Outer Hebrides and Islands and discussed their use of digital technology to combat depopulation in rural communities through their online platform, Uist Beò.
Emilia Pietka-Nykaza from the University of the West of Scotland highlighted her research on social connections and their impact on people’s decisions to move between rural and urban areas. Strong family ties and community bonds encourage people to stay or return to their hometowns, while local facilities like schools and youth clubs enhance connections. However, these social factors cannot alone address the broader structural issues linked to depopulation.
The session included discussions among 62 participants about their organisations efforts to combat depopulation and strategies for the future. Key points included the need for holistic approaches addressing housing, social spaces, and job opportunities to attract young people back to rural areas.
Read the full notes from the Rural SEN here.