2. We’re talking today about REMOTE rural areas. Like this....

3. Why are people moving away from remote rural areas?
Harsh physical environment (High relief, harsh climate)
Limited job opportunities (fishing & farming)
“Bright city lights” draw young people away
18 year olds go to the mainland for education/university, but few return as limited job opportunities

5. Rural Depopulation
Movement of people out of remote rural areas, particularly places like the Scottish Highlands
Age groups leaving are younger than 40- leaving behind an isolated aging population
Has led to decline in services for those who remain
E.g. 45% don’t live within 4km of a Post Office or doctors surgery
More Post Offices closing due to lack of profit (up to 25% planned closures in rural areas, compared to 18% in UK as a whole)
There are very limited or no bus services
Only 50% of these people have bank accounts
70% remote settlements without a shop, 50% without school
Closure of primary schools
Some areas (eg Cornwall) have no major hospitals