In a letter sent to Andy Burnham following his arrival in Downing Street this week, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) outlined how rural areas can help deliver jobs, attract investment and support long-term growth across the UK.

Rural Scotland covers around a third of the UK's land area, generates roughly half of its renewable energy and underpins multibillion-pound industries including whisky, salmon and other premium food and drink. It is also pivotal to meeting climate goals, restoring nature and sustaining local communities.

SLE said rural businesses and communities are ready to contribute more but need policies that reflect the realities of living and working outside urban centres.

Its proposals include:

- Placing modern industries nearer to renewable energy generation to create high-quality jobs while cutting transmission costs and environmental impacts.

- Introducing a rural workers' visa to tackle persistent labour shortages.

- Using targeted tax incentives and decentralising government functions to help counter depopulation.

-- Advertisement --

- Providing focused support for essential services such as pharmacies, nurseries and petrol stations.

SLE has also invited the Prime Minister to visit a rural Scottish community to hear directly from people and businesses ready to deliver that growth.

Patrick Colquhoun, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: "Rural Scotland has the people, ideas and ambition to make a still greater contribution to the future of the UK. Our communities produce food and energy, support world-leading industries, restore nature and create opportunities in places which are too often overlooked.

"The Prime Minister's commitment to good growth in every postcode is an opportunity to put rural areas at the heart of that agenda. We are not asking for unspecified support or more funding. We are setting out practical steps which could help rural businesses and communities create jobs, attract investment and deliver long-term opportunities.

"Locating industry close to renewable energy production, addressing labour shortages and protecting lifeline services would all make a real difference. We would be delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to rural Scotland to meet the people ready to turn that potential into growth."

The letter comes amid reports that Labour is considering plans that would require officials to assess how policies affect rural residents — a move aligned with SLE's longstanding call for mandatory Rural Impact Assessments.

Mr Colquhoun added: "Any meaningful step to ensure the impact of policy on rural communities is properly considered would be welcomed by Scottish Land & Estates.

"Too often, policies developed in Westminster and Edinburgh overlook the distinct challenges and opportunities facing rural areas, from housing and jobs to energy, food production and essential services.

"Rural-proofing must be more than a box-ticking exercise. It should mean early and genuine engagement with rural businesses and communities, so their experience helps shape policy before decisions are made."