Factors Influencing Rural Migration Decisions in Scotland: An Analysis of the Evidence

5 'STAY' FACTORS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO REMAIN IN RURAL AREAS

5.1 Exploring the factors that encourage individuals to remain in rural areas is important for this review, as retaining in-migrants and long-term rural residents is key for achieving sustainable rural populations.

5.2 An individual's decision to stay in rural Scotland is distinct from their decision to stay in the same rural community, and the two decisions are likely to be motivated by different factors. Although the literature does not tend to distinguish between staying in a rural location and staying in the same community, this should be kept in mind when reading the following.

Young People

The main factors that encourage young people to stay in rural areas are as follows:

5.3 Securing a good job locally. This is highlighted by a large-scale, mixed methods study of migration in the Outer Hebrides (involving a literature review, survey, interviews and focus groups), published in 2007; and a qualitative study involving 45 in-depth interviews with stayers and leavers from the Scottish Borders region, published in 2000 ^{9, 27}.

5.4 Local family connections. Sources that mention this include a large-scale, mixed methods study of migration in the Outer Hebrides (involving a literature review, survey, interviews and focus groups), published in 2007; a mixed methods study of population change in the Shetland Isles, also published in 2007; a 2003 survey and focus group study examining 11-16 year olds' views on migration across Scotland; a 2009 survey of young people in the Highlands and Islands; and a 1999 mixed methods study of rural migration in six case study areas selected for their high population turnover (Skye, North East Fife, Kyle and Carrick, Black Isle, Mearns and Crieff) ^6,9,8,17,14.

5.5 An appreciation of the high quality natural environment, and of having easy access to outdoor activities available nearby . This is a finding from a 2009 survey of young people in the Highlands and Islands; and a 2003 survey and focus group study examining 11-16 year olds' views on migration across Scotland ^14,17.

5.6 The perception that certain rural areas offer a good quality of life, either economically or socially. This is highlighted by a 2003 survey and focus group study examining 11-16 year olds' views on migration across Scotland ¹⁷.

5.7 A sense of attachment to the rural area. Sources define this attachment in a variety of ways, including social attachment (ie: participants had long-term social connections in the area), hereditary attachment (ie: their parents were born and raised in the area), or simply as familiarity with the area. Connected to this is a sense that one's own identity is tied up with the area; the ability to identify with other people in the community; and a sense of pride in the region. These factors are identified by a 2009 survey of young people in the Highlands and Islands; a 2000 study involving interviews with stayers and leavers in the Scottish Borders region; a 2003 survey and focus group study examining 11-16 year olds' views on migration across Scotland; anda 1999 mixed methods study of rural migration in six case study areas selected for their high population turnover (Skye, North East Fife, Kyle and Carrick, Black Isle, Mearns and Crieff), involving a literature review, large-scale household survey, interviews, and a consultation exercise with stakeholder agencies and organisations. ^14,16,4,6,17.

5.8 Feelings of Social Inclusion. Two sources noted that young people are sometimes encouraged to stay in their rural area if they feel valued as part of the local community. This was identified by a 2009 survey of young people in the Highlands and Islands, and by a Scotland-wide literature review covering the impacts of migration on rural Scotland ^{14, 6}.

5.9 The ambition to start a family in the local area, often overriding any academic or career ambitions. This ambition is often accompanied by the perception that rural areas are a good place to bring up children. Studies that identify this ambition include a 2003 survey and focus group study examining 11-16 year olds' views on migration across Scotland; and a 2009 survey of young people in the Highlands and Islands ^14,17.

5.10 Education opportunities available locally, particularly higher education opportunities such as colleges, universities and secondary schools. This is identified by a survey of young people across the Highlands and Islands, published in 2009 ¹⁴.

5.11 The strong sense of community in some rural areas. This is identified by a 2009 survey of young people in the Highlands and Islands; and a 1999 study of rural migration in six case study areas selected for their high population turnover (Skye, North East Fife, Kyle and Carrick, Black Isle, Mearns and Crieff) involving a literature review, large-scale household survey, interviews, and a consultation exercise with stakeholder agencies and organisations ^6,14.

5.12 The perceived safety of some rural areas, particularly compared to urban ones. This was a consideration for some of the people whose views were surveyed in a 2009 study of the Highlands and Islands ¹⁴.

5.13 A good social network and/or opportunities to meet and socialise with peers. Connected to this is the need for easy access to leisure facilities suitable for young people. The importance of both these considerations is also highlighted by the 2009 survey young people's views in the Highlands and Islands ¹⁴.

5.14 The perception that young people are a valued part of a rural community, and that their involvement in community affairs is encouraged . This consideration is once again highlighted by the 2009 survey of young people in the Highlands and Islands ¹⁴.

5.15 Parental expectations and ambitions. Poor parental knowledge in terms of the education or employment opportunities available elsewhere is thought to encourage young people to stay in a rural area . This is identified by a 2000 study involving in-depth interviews with stayers and leavers in the Scottish Borders region ¹⁶.

5.16 A lack of resources in terms of money, information and contacts. This is identified by a 2000 study involving in-depth interviews with stayers and leavers from the Scottish Borders region. Importantly, it highlights that, for some, remaining in rural Scotland is not always an active choice ¹⁶.

5.17 Importantly, however, one source highlights the importance of noting that (even with improvements to local employment prospects) young people may still have the desire to move away, in order to experience a new way of life and/or achieve greater independence. This source is a 2006 mixed methods study of migration in North Lewis and Roxburgh, which involved a household survey, questionnaire and interviews with out-migrants ³².

Families

5.18 Many of the factors listed in this chapter could also apply to families moving to rural areas. However, the only 'stay' factor mentioned with explicit reference to families is as follows:

5.19 The desire to safeguard children's education and not create unnecessary upheaval. This factor is highlighted by a 2002 study involving a large-scale survey and a programme of in-depth interviews with residents of North Lewis and Roxburgh ³⁰.