Scotland’s Population – Meeting the Needs of our Communities, Economy and Public Services

As an amendment to motion S6M-06063 in the name of Angus Robertson (Scotland’s Population – Meeting the Needs of our Communities, Economy and Public Services), insert at end "; notes that many island and rural communities face depopulation, which can be caused by a number of factors that need to be addressed; believes that investment in fixed links such as tunnels could offer some solution as this would allow for greater connectivity and encourage economic growth in island communities; notes that problems with the R100 scheme mean many remote communities in Scotland still do not have access to high-speed broadband, with one community quoted £725,000 to get access to a broadband network; acknowledges that the lack of new and affordable housing can mean families and young people look for housing in more urban settings rather than in rural communities, and calls on the Scottish Government to look for practical solutions to depopulation, with the voices of those in island and rural communities at the heart of any strategy it decides."