This update will be fairly short as I’m writing this in a car on my way to Luing. I hasten to add that I’m not the one driving!
I had the opportunity to attend a Public Sector Reform summit earlier this week where we spoke about how we can create efficiencies by working in partnership across sectors. It was a rare opportunity to meet with representatives of so many different organisations all in one place and I hope it is the start of greater collaboration.
I spent yesterday with the Scottish Government’s Permanent Secretary in Oban and today we’re meeting with the community on Luing. These visits are providing a great opportunity to showcase the challenges, opportunities and achievements of our area. I’ll touch on these visits in more detail next week.
One of the issues it has allowed me to highlight is population – our declining population and ageing demographic and that leads me to a request.
We are undertaking a depopulation research survey for younger working age people (age 16-44) who live in the area, have previously lived in the area, or who would like to live in the area. The survey is funded through the Scottish Government Addressing Depopulation Fund and will provides us with outcomes to assist with key priorities moving forward in terms of the housing emergency and addressing depopulation/repopulation work.
This is the first stage of the project, with the second stage focusing on workforce housing in collaboration with key employers across the area. We would love to hear from you if you meet the criteria..
Have a good weekend.
Pippa
