National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care: Information Hub

Arctic connections: addressing the out-migration of young people from the Scottish Highlands and Islands: a review of relevant issues and interventions from the Nordic region and the wider Arctic.

This study reviews youth out-migration from rural and island communities in the Scottish Highlands and Islands through the lens of comparable Arctic and Nordic regions. Drawing on over 500 literature sources and four stakeholder interviews, the authors identify common drivers of rural youth out-migration—including limited employment and education opportunities, poor infrastructure, gendered migration patterns, and stigma around ‘staying.’ The study highlights innovative interventions from across the Arctic, including youth-inclusive policymaking, digital job hubs, place branding, nature-based tourism, housing strategies, and support for rural LGBT+ communities.

The report makes two key recommendations for Scotland: significantly increase affordable housing stock and develop a positive, place-based narrative of rural life that challenges stigma and highlights opportunity. It offers an in-depth resource for policymakers, educators, and community leaders seeking contextually grounded and internationally informed strategies to retain and attract young people to rural areas.

Supporting and enabling sustainable communities: action plan to address depopulation - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

This action plan from the Scottish Government outlines a strategic approach to tackling rural depopulation, a key challenge facing many rural, island, and peripheral communities. The plan focuses on creating sustainable, thriving communities through targeted initiatives in areas such as housing, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. It emphasises local leadership and community engagement, with a collaborative effort across national and local governments. The action plan is relevant for Scotland's remote, rural, and island areas, where depopulation can impact service sustainability and economic growth.