The Scottish Countryside Alliance has called for rural MPs and MSPs to listen to the views of their constituents, including farmers and land managers.
The alliance said MSPs get offended by challenging comments and claim to live and work in a rural constituency as well as representing rural matters.
However, it said it is often the case that legislation is waved through as MSPs “tend to ignore the views of the people they are representing”, and instead fall in line with party lines.
“Take for instance the recent debate on the banning of wood-burning stoves in all new-build homes in Scotland. Gillian Martin, minister for climate change, and MSP for Aberdeenshire East, will have many constituents affected by this damaging legislation,” the Scottish Countryside Alliance said.
“She was quick to remind the chamber of her rural credentials yet would not give assurances that this effective “ban” will be reversed by the Scottish government.
“Already, this proposal, coupled with the lack of guidance, has had very real consequences for businesses that install or are affiliated to wood-burning stoves, with losses reported of £100,000 since April 1, 2024, when the New Build Heat Standards were introduced.”
Director of the Scottish Countryside Alliance, Jake Swindells, said: “As First Minister John Swinney took up post, he committed to working together more and to more collaborations, primarily with other parties.
“Our government need to start representing the interests of all, rather than a select cross section of society.
“We welcome any steps taken to initiate work with sector professionals, as well as any genuine cross-party efforts.”
The alliance said rural MSPs must prove their commitment to the farmers and land managers who voted for them to represent them.
Rural issues
The Scottish Countryside Alliance said now, more than ever, rural MPs and MSPs need to stand-up and fight for their constituents in areas that matter most to them.
The main issues highlighted by the alliance are fuel poverty, depopulations of rural areas, accessible NHS care and employment.
“Instead, we are seeing large rural estates in the spotlight of the government with the Land Reform Bill,” the Scottish Countryside Alliance said.
“These estates provide essential employment and training opportunities in often isolated communities of Scotland and help to bolster the economy of these areas during the off-peak tourist season.
“We want to see real cross-party work on important legislation and implore the Scottish government to listen to evidence based on well-researched facts and the opinions of experts, rather than conjecture from NGOs intent on pushing their own subjective agenda.”
The alliance said it is inviting all general election candidates to engage with it and our partner organisations.
