Scotland’s sparsely-populated areas are predicted to lose a quarter of their population by 2046, with the working age population likely to shrink by 33%.

At the same time, the challenge of enabling the development that is needed to sustain rural communities is delicately balanced with the environmental imperatives of conserving our environment and protecting its biodiversity.

In this context, how can Scotland develop a shared vision for the future of its rural areas?

Join an expert panel to discuss the challenges and trends, explore the potential futures ahead of us, and consider the outcomes we want to achieve by 2030.

Draft programme

17:30 Registration opens

18:00 Welcome: Claudia Beamish MSP, Scotland's Futures Forum Director

18:05 Introduction: Dr Lesley Lancaster, University of Aberdeen and Royal Society of Edinburgh Young Academy

18:10 Presentation: Community Empowerment and Landscape - Dr Chris Dalglish, the Institute for Heritage and Sustainable Human Development

18:25 Panel Discussion: A Sustainable Future for Rural Scotland

• Megan MacInnes, the Scottish Land Commission
• Vicki Swales Scottish Environment LINK
• Dr Calum MacLeod from Community Land Scotland
• Jack Norquoy MSYP, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Orkney

19:30 Informal discussion over light refreshments

20:00 Event finishes