Voices from the Margin

Rural poverty in Scotland is both persistent and under-recognised. While Central Belt post-industrial urban deprivation attracts attention through visible concentrations of need, rural poverty is often hidden behind picturesque landscapes and dispersed communities. The consequences are no less serious with families struggling on low incomes, young people leaving and not returning due to lack of opportunity and communities weakened by service decline and withdrawal.

Alongside testimony, this report documents case studies of innovative practice – Big Ideas that show what works in tackling poverty in rural settings, supported by a series of ‘Wee Listens’ across Newton Stewart, Stranraer, Dumfries and The Scottish Borders.

The task now is to move from evidence to action. If Scotland is to be serious about addressing poverty beyond its cities, then rural proofing, investment in housing and connectivity and the empowerment of community anchor organisations must be central to national strategy. Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders can become a testbed for rural innovation, demonstrating how small towns and rural communities can not only survive but thrive.