Invest in broadband and transport, say rural youth

Nearly 40% of young people living in the countryside plan to move to urban centres, according to interim results from the Rural Youth Project (RYP) survey.

In addition, 92% say broadband is essential to their future, and 50% don’t feel they have a say in what happens in their local community.

In its last week, the organisers of the RYP survey are calling on all young people aged 18-28, living rurally, in any occupation from agriculture to health, retail or education, to complete its online survey before it closes on 31 May.

See also: Rural youth opportunities and obstacles in focus

“So far, transport and broadband are being highlighted as the main issues for young people living rurally, followed by access to social life,” said RYP co-founder Rebecca Hawes, who works for rural and agricultural specialists Jane Craigie Marketing.

“These are not unexpected, but what it does show is that infrastructure is central to keeping young people in rural communities.”

Barriers and opportunities

The data, which looks at housing, transport, connectivity, healthcare, employment, skills and training, income and social well-being, will be professionally analysed with support from Scottish Enterprise to illustrate the barriers and opportunities influencing young people’s choices.

The information will be used to help decision-makers at local, industry and policy level to support future generations to thrive in both business and personal life.

Complete the Rural Youth Project survey online and stand a chance to win festival tickets to see The Killers.