DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

APPENDICES DIGEST

FIRST DRAFT

MARCH 2014

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This document contains the following supplementary information that we have collated in the production of this draft LDS:Appendix A –The Data Zones included in our LDSAppendix B – Relevant Strategies and Projects considered in the development of this LDSAppendix C – A copy of the LAG Priority Setting exerciseAppendix D – Dumfries and Galloway Socio-Economic ProfileThe level of research, engagement and integration (between the FLAG and LAG) in Dumfries and Galloway has, we believe, been exceptional. We have decided therefore to make this information, which underpins much of the LDS, available as a discrete digest. It illustrates the considerable depth of the LDS progress in the region to date and the scope to develop an exceptional final document by September 2014 setting out our ambitions for the region.

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Appendix A - Proposed Dumfries and Galloway LEADER area

Scottish Data Zone Population

Area (hectares)

Density (persons per hectare)

S01000897 693 4911.65 0.14S01000898 531 4119.47 0.13S01000899 774 46.17 16.76S01000900 634 7853.43 0.08S01000901 591 3837.84 0.15S01000902 941 2025.96 0.46S01000903 973 6859.52 0.14S01000904 699 4738.32 0.15S01000905 728 8031.38 0.09S01000906 547 1008.74 0.54S01000907 777 37.49 20.73S01000908 759 25.59 29.66S01000909 934 8366.48 0.11S01000910 857 3800.86 0.23S01000911 1039 3446.17 0.30S01000912 653 1789.59 0.36S01000913 610 2688.86 0.23S01000914 682 2935.30 0.23S01000915 902 4561.99 0.20S01000916 1015 7625.03 0.13S01000917 655 12831.75 0.05S01000918 533 2356.41 0.23S01000919 628 2917.73 0.22S01000920 578 3709.31 0.16S01000921 667 5790.48 0.12S01000922 1026 5569.74 0.18S01000923 937 740.76 1.26S01000924 803 18.59 43.21S01000925 1013 6830.08 0.15S01000926 966 20.92 46.18S01000927 899 20.78 43.26S01000928 978 10357.46 0.09S01000929 481 7.17 67.09S01000930 536 13.88 38.62S01000931 644 29.95 21.50S01000932 974 2182.89 0.45S01000933 989 38.87 25.44S01000934 938 28.24 33.21S01000935 831 23.93 34.72S01000936 860 50.29 17.10S01000937 562 20.05 28.03S01000938 783 15.62 50.13S01000939 732 33.89 21.60S01000940 866 51.55 16.80S01000941 440 19.40 22.68S01000942 1024 3229.29 0.32

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S01000943 776 46.83 16.57S01000944 756 28.20 26.80S01000945 722 34.74 20.78S01000946 728 35.46 20.53S01000947 661 1245.48 0.53S01000948 870 6100.54 0.14S01000949 614 1634.06 0.38S01000950 833 14739.27 0.06S01000951 748 45.42 16.47S01000952 796 629.01 1.27S01000953 868 471.59 1.84S01000954 1136 10183.68 0.11S01000955 636 1043.49 0.61S01000956 889 59.60 14.92S01000957 545 11278.92 0.05S01000958 781 17.81 43.85S01000959 700 92.11 7.60S01000960 539 33.31 16.18S01000961 847 37.90 22.35S01000962 620 28.54 21.72S01000963 809 22.63 35.74S01000964 1080 5810.08 0.19S01000965 616 11.59 53.13S01000966 1096 19.06 57.50S01000967 567 11.60 48.89S01000968 1047 9009.55 0.12S01000969 917 35.96 25.50S01000970 774 25.67 30.15S01000971 775 71.56 10.83S01000972 910 45.65 19.93S01000973 660 13.03 50.64S01000974 1182 40.59 29.12S01000975 648 4725.11 0.14S01000976 493 1971.73 0.25S01000977 934 158.38 5.90S01000978 805 2873.30 0.28S01000979 701 1445.48 0.48S01000980 674 31918.83 0.02S01000981 695 3912.17 0.18S01000982 677 3440.38 0.20S01000983 546 3621.06 0.15S01000984 659 4412.93 0.15S01000985 769 1699.96 0.45S01000986 594 1144.17 0.52S01000987 571 2372.13 0.24S01000988 570 3298.74 0.17S01000989 800 3914.95 0.20S01000990 951 730.95 1.30S01000991 451 2781.31 0.16S01000992 1095 269.03 4.07

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S01000993 841 1309.27 0.64S01000994 1072 2498.45 0.43S01000995 769 18.58 41.39S01000996 1113 71.73 15.52S01000997 867 24.81 34.95S01000998 670 17.00 39.41S01000999 632 16.31 38.74S01001000 638 11.05 57.72S01001001 543 10167.24 0.05S01001002 617 11.28 54.71S01001003 810 18.65 43.42S01001004 699 16.94 41.27S01001005 831 29.31 28.35S01001006 709 19.32 36.70S01001007 868 33.89 25.61S01001008 725 21.38 33.92S01001009 585 16.64 35.17S01001010 919 19.19 47.88S01001011 603 8344.03 0.07S01001012 740 15.71 47.11S01001013 922 24.44 37.72S01001014 822 33.67 24.41S01001015 607 33.21 18.28S01001016 929 36454.22 0.03S01001017 844 22.11 38.17S01001018 750 23.99 31.27S01001019 1036 27.02 38.35S01001020 547 12.65 43.23S01001021 978 27.72 35.29S01001022 819 47.16 17.37S01001023 987 5999.25 0.16S01001024 1942 608.72 3.19S01001025 1500 345.06 4.35S01001026 879 2333.08 0.38S01001027 910 64.89 14.02S01001028 771 66.24 11.64S01001029 710 22.85 31.07S01001030 684 91.26 7.50S01001031 935 13.18 70.94S01001032 692 10.04 68.90S01001033 713 15.46 46.13S01001034 746 15.80 47.23S01001035 526 38.92 13.52S01001036 603 9.88 61.06S01001037 913 48.99 18.64S01001038 939 424.58 2.21S01001039 562 6488.94 0.09S01001040 694 1525.80 0.45S01001041 689 1147.48 0.60S01001042 800 20.07 39.86

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S01001043 655 13.02 50.31S01001044 920 12717.80 0.07S01001045 641 13.62 47.06S01001046 849 372.10 2.28S01001047 849 754.82 1.12S01001048 571 46.21 12.36S01001049 637 11.80 53.97S01001050 926 5058.31 0.18S01001051 611 12.89 47.41S01001052 512 11.80 43.38S01001053 764 1512.70 0.51S01001054 848 2043.83 0.41S01001055 835 40.32 20.71S01001056 709 20.70 34.26S01001057 690 3102.50 0.22S01001058 725 28.40 25.53S01001059 630 20.95 30.08S01001060 691 14.55 47.49S01001061 764 4975.44 0.15S01001062 611 4361.24 0.14S01001063 1016 1604.80 0.63S01001064 688 38.54 17.85S01001065 775 23.32 33.24S01001066 760 7064.05 0.11S01001067 756 21714.35 0.03S01001068 871 52982.56 0.02S01001069 846 7950.05 0.11S01001070 860 12162.33 0.07S01001071 698 7068.28 0.10S01001072 859 11400.16 0.08S01001073 1147 5071.14 0.23S01001074 504 22728.35 0.02S01001075 908 86.47 10.50S01001076 849 16030.79 0.05S01001077 879 769.19 1.14S01001078 926 11984.79 0.08S01001079 544 15571.09 0.03S01001080 745 539.43 1.38S01001081 612 24466.20 0.03S01001082 880 30.23 29.11S01001083 762 8232.01 0.09S01001084 1011 9881.92 0.10S01001085 833 14.59 57.08S01001086 685 39.96 17.14S01001087 479 34.89 13.73S01001088 1016 4796.42 0.21S01001089 970 14331.33 0.07Total 150830 643640.09  

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Appendix B - List of Current Strategies and Initiatives in Dumfries and Galloway Relevant to the LDS

Connection

Dumfries and Galloway Single Output Agreement

Scottish Funders Forum – Harmonised Funding

Forestry Commission – Regional Forestry Forum, Wood-fuel forum

Links to Biosphere in Ayrshire

Community transport agenda – Core path cycle routes

Tele-health care pilot in Dumfries and Galloway

Foundation Scotland Community Benefit Mapping

Heritage Lottery and Creative Scotland – D&G priority

FLAG evaluation & D&G Fisheries socio-economic strategy

Regional Economic Strategy

Community Learning and Development Plan (2015)

D&G grant service review

Visit Scotland response to SRDP

“Putting You First” 3 posts mapping provision for elderly

LGBT young people engagement project

Community Empowerment Bill

Agricultural Holdings Review

2017 Year of Culture

Crichton Institute Priority Communities profiling work

Impact of National Centralisation of Services

Regional Arts Hubs

Social Prescribing in Stewartry

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Appendix C LAG Priority Setting Grid

“I think the point is that the LDS should be integrated with as many other initiatives as is practical, but should nonetheless steer its own course.”

Each LAG member provided a high, medium or low ranking for each issue. 3 points were awarded for a high priority, two for a medium priority and 1 for a low priority. A LAG wide moderated sore was then used to identify the relative significance of each issue. Key comments provided by individual LAG members were also grouped against each issue.

Issue Score

Comments

7. A lack of links between education and the skills required by local businesses.

2.8 The lack of vocational training in schools and the shortage of apprenticeships mean young people do not have the skills required to work in a small business. Basic requirements like literacy, timekeeping and the whole work ethic need to be improved(evidence the Langholm Enterprise Academy Partnership)

I have placed this as H but in fact, as BK said at the meeting, we do have some great education and leading programmes – getting appropriate youngsters TO and FROM centres of learning is a huge issue. Personally, I am concerned for the 70% of our young people who will not easily attain a college placement – Close ties with the ED Policy Dept could help here

Yes but that is a society issue. Could Leader build on the sort of things the Queensbury initiative has done? Spread the good practice to encourage others.

Agree but not sure on LEADER role.

Again, this is a national problem. While education is not only about business skills there are surely skills which could be developed within the curriculum, eg presentation and confidence via drama. Vital too to get the basics right.

Other agencies main function. Role for Leader is in pioneering new possibilities.

Don't have first hand experience of this, but sense it could be true

6. Small businesses

2.7 Support does exist for small businesses, but accessing the support and overcoming the logistic issues that beset remote

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don’t have time to grow and cant take financial risks.

rural areas don’t help. I would contend that we do not have a thriving ‘co-operative’ mentality among our entrepreneurs – more ‘me’ than ‘us’.

Not convinced this is any different to other areas and that it is a Leader issue.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of rural regions. Banks are generally not supportive (this is a national problem) and given current low interest rates it's a disgrace.

Small businesses can take risks if they want to

Unless small businesses are engaged with support organisations it can be a struggle, however, small businesses often don’t have capacity to link into group meetings/ support organisations etc – needs addressing!

A fragile market needs entrepreneurial support

Too many start-ups, roots don't go too deep. Support over a longer period - whether finance or mentoring could help this

5. There is an increasing risk to business and lifestyle due to rising fuel costs and regulations aimed at reducing carbon and meeting recycling targets.

2.6 Rising fuel costs present a real problem for business and leisure activities.

There does not seem to be any meaningful effort to reduce carbon emissions or to meet recycling targets

Again the threat needs to be grabbed as an opportunity. We cant ignore the threat of climate change because we are rural. Can businesses help staff reduce their travel costs and can business opportunities flow from carbon management.

Many houses and small businesses are "off-gas" and rely on costly oil and electricity.

Fuel Costs in rural areas is a concern, however, requires Government intervention to stimulate competition or to pressure suppliers to reduce fuel prices in rural areas. Recycling of waste in D&G is very poor due to Council’s own policies.

We should begin to look to future proof our reliance on carbon. Not just transport but Agriculture and forestry rely on Carbon

Costs constrain - and collaborating/sharing takes effort; see above re social media??

13. Young People need

2.6 Absolutely crucial. There is some good work going on, eg Lindsey Mason the D&G Council Young Entrepreneur Co-ordinator but this

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to be supported in getting a job or setting up in business

is an ongoing battle.

I think that our education system is working flat out – see Curriculum for excellence etc – If we are to focus on this, where are the new forms of employment going to come from. Can we develop innovative financial structures to support early innovation?

Critical that young people can get a meaningful foot on the employment ladder locally. This is however too mainstream for Leader to tackle except by support for a Queensbury type initiative.

But not just young people - anyone with a good idea and some business sense / experience should be able to get the appropriate support to allow them to develop. It may be unlikely that any very large development will open here (see how councillors treated the data farm proposal) so smaller businesses that can grow will have to provide work.

Youth unemployment is a major issue

Various initiatives exist via Schools, Colleges, Job Centres etc. and new initiatives via D&G Council are due to begin

Key principle and value of the future programme after a effort of inclusivity and reconnection of YP to their area. Needs to be done in partnership with others

Dedicated mentoring, longer-term start up support, exchanges/learning by travel

15. More work needs to be done to improve access to services including in terms of digital inclusion

2.6 This affects every aspect of rural life

Requires major investment and Leader cannot do much on this.

What is happening re faster broadband? Lots of places can't even get a mobile phone signal.

Increase broadband speed, and teach how it can best be exploited

Various new initiatives are being piloted/ introduced to address this.

Give all 7 year olds personal access to the internet now so that in conjunction with other current digital improvements young people have more opportunities to have earning capacity in the future

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EVERYONE needs this, even if they don't know it

16. Tourism, Arts and Culture could be invested in more heavily

2.6 There is so much potential in Dumfries and Galloway. A lot has been achieved already but there is so much more scope.

LEADER has had success in supporting innovative collaborative structures. I would hope to build upon that. In addition, this linkages between involvement in the arts and well being is worth exploring.

A potential on-going growth area for the region. Leader has made a difference to some key projects.

Not sure this should be a LEADER priority – other public funds. Not sure this should be a LEADER priority – other public funds.

Yes but be wary of handing cash to faceless statutory bodies. Much better to develop individual / community skills

Tourism in particular should be a great strength to D&G

This is linked in to our appreciation of our land. Its landscape and seascape, usage, people , history, archaeology and culture and is the key basis of any Improvements we do

Yes! more seed-funds and some kind of longer-term support for growth. Craft/visual arts often the easiest to help, as it has to be rooted. Performing arts (music particularly) is too portable for funders comfort - but "making spaces" (on the lines of the WASPS studios) could help to establish clusters, and retain people. House prices another factor - live/work space important for musicians.

18. The LAG should set up a series of structured relationships with the VCS sector and interested former projects to provide awareness raising and mentoring support to

2.6 A great idea but would require more time input from a voluntary body

The idea of champions for the Leader approach is sound. They need to be close to LAG members thinking to get across the philosophy- and not become agents for applicants

Let the LAG learn better from the experience of projects already completed. There could be a lot of openings with the voluntary sector but any co-operation needs to be carefully monitored and evaluated.

The VCS sector in D&G has a very mixed reputation. I should be cautious of formal associations with them

Agree – perhaps requires LAG to review its current structure and

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potential applicants

representation (is it truly reflective and a two way communication channel across the whole VCS sector?)

Communities of place and interest need development in order to maximise their potential and opportunities

Would get new programme off to a fast start

19. The LAG should seek to develop a wider range of activities linked to the Community Led Local Development Agenda

2.6 The link to the CPP needs to be demonstrated otherwise the programme risks being side-lined – the reverse is also true that the CPP should not have undue influence on the Leader spend.

LAG needs to take elected members along while ensuring that they understand LAG aims and principles, especially independence. Linking to this agenda could be one way.

LAG needs to take elected members along while ensuring that they understand LAG aims and principles, especially independence. Linking to this agenda could be one way.

Probably should be stronger links here

LAG may need to assess current links to this agenda and if there are gaps find ways of addressing this

We need this to address the long term issues and to strengthen our fragile economy

Consider and prioritise the activities that LAG can best contribute to

10. Many people have little understanding of the land that surrounds them.

2.5 There are many projects already addressing this issue (eg Making the Most of the Coast, Making the Most of Moorlands) but this should be a continuing process. With the changes in funding at SNH this may be under threat?

Our support for D&G Countryside Initiative and RHET has been one of our successes in younger folk. There could be a growing issue with vocal older residents looking for a ‘peaceful’ retirement in the countryside.

Our forests are not fully utilised and remain under invested in on the part of Forestry Scotland

I think this is really important. People are either landowners/managers or expected to have nothing to do with land use decisions. This touches on the ecosystem service approach and Landuse strategy. People don’t have a fundamental grasp of how land is used because they have never

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been asked to think about it and express an opinion. Leader could start to bridge the gap here though will have to be handled carefully. SG are doing some work under the Land use Strategy

Rural populations are very much a shrinking minority. This will grow with continuing moves to urban living with all its perceived advantages, unless living off the land becomes possible - eg breaking up big estates for smaller farms. Presently the trend is the other way. More education about where food comes from.

This is true, but land and land issues are vital to the region

Needs modified to; people need to understand and take pride in all aspects of the story of the land and its people to facilitate reconnections between the land and its people , in order to attract tourists and improve wellness

Agriculture, conservation and nature based tourism offer opportunities for self-start, or community business

21 Dumfries and Stranraer should be included in the new programme

2.5 Happy for this with the proviso that the focus remains on the rural-urban relationship and within true LEADER principles to avoid becoming yet another ‘funding body’

But only in the sense that they serve the rural hinterland around.

I believe there is an important economic dynamic between the rural and urban areas that requires to be fully articulated as part of the LDS

Probably, given how much the rest of the region depends on them for work and services. However this dependency should not be encouraged at the expense of smaller towns. LAG should be working against centralisation.

Even if a % proportion of the funding each year was set aside to support projects within the two main towns, perhaps set criteria that ensured that the projects supported benefited not only the Towns but had wider impact across region or individuals within travelling distance from the outlying areas of these towns who would benefit?

This will include the whole region especially if co-productive strategies are adopted. Simply be fairer.

I would prefer to see projects outside the main centres funded to do work in the main centres; otherwise I've seen too many greedy urban projects bend the criteria to fit their projects!

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2. Transport infrastructure is restricting social and economic growth.

2.4 I guess this varies across the region. There is a lot of opportunity for community transport/car sharing initiatives.

In this region, an extreme view could be that lack of access to transport has led to a rural inequality that is almost feudal in its effect. Every sector of our community is affected in one way or another. The LEADER fund is not big enough to solve the problem but we could again focus on where the major constrictions, e.g. policy and regulation or private interest, exist and explore innovative solutions.

I do not see this as quite so critical a problem. And there is limited impact that leader could have.

Public transport is dire and A75 is a joke. Poor rail connections

Transport is a major issue given the geography of the place

Public Transport routes and times are restrictive. Not enough investment in Community Transport and access to Community Transport is disparate across the region.

May be more relevant for Leader to explore small scale innovative issues.

Major infrastructure improvement not very likely; means making better use/sense of what we have. Planning rather than building.

1. Too many residents simply cannot afford to buy a house in the region.

2.2 The lack of appropriate housing is the issue in many rural communities. We need to keep/attract young families to the region to help it to thrive

As discussed at the meeting, this may be simply too huge an issue for us to attend to in LEADER. However, the availability of appropriate rural rental property and the promotion/exploration of the prospect of ‘home’ being associated specifically with ownership to other forms of innovative co-ownership, could well be of interest.

I don’t see Leader able to do much here on the provision itself but may be able to support some capacity/awareness/sharing practice workshop(s).

May be a limited role for LEADER

The real problem is lack of housing, which is desperate, not necessarily lack of houses to buy. Still a problem with second homes which can be rented only usually in winter months. More

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fair-rental properties on safe tenancies essential.

Actually housing is relatively cheap in the region

Young people are not earning enough to commit to mortgages etc.

Housing is an issue but generally, is beyond the range of Leader. Unless as a catalyst for community development or in partnership with others

This needs to be accompanied by increased "locals specific" housing, whether public, co-owned, or private. Campaign needed

14. Vulnerable elderly people need support

2.2 Also crucial. Some excellent work going on with the Putting You First Change Fund and Third Sector organisations. Time banking will play a part in the future.

Communities in D&G already support the elderly where they can. Better village facilities can help here, but lack of smart transport solutions and finicky rules mean that many elderly residents in remote communities – inc Crocketford! – do not attract the legal level of care provision.

Collaborative and innovative solutions at community level could be a LEADER key issue.

Its obviously a high priority but not for Leader.

Agree but not sure on LEADER role.

It's important to realise that many older / elderly people are active in their community and in their social lives

D&G demographics indicate the highest % of elderly in Scotland

Various initiatives exist via the PYF Programme and the SG Reshaping Care Agenda – ongoing and will always be an issue requiring to be addressed.

Always with us . But can only be achieved through partnership

Servicing the elderly is a potential growth area, particularly if done to the highest standards. D&G has tools to make a game-change in status if it chooses to use them

4. There are too many community facilities/acti

2.1 I can really only speak for Langholm, where there has been considerable investment in community facilities thanks to a local philanthropist

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vities lacking adequate investment.

Realistically, this region has an issue regarding communities that ‘have’ a source of funds e.g. WF Community Benefit, and those that do not. Better community facilities could provide accessible leisure, connectivity and recycling features. I have a hunch that rules and regs are the stopper here.

It can be transformative to invest in facilities in a community. It can enthuse groups to start up and build better cohesion.

Agree in part – dependent on whether council owned/ community owned and local communities commitment to lobby for or to seek improvements works via grants etc.

Other agencies should lead - Unless LA policy changes when Community Empowerment Bill enacted

LEADER has seen benefits of investment (KPD and Tynron, Port William etc). Need for advice, good practice mentoring, and capital - Europe, DGC or Scotgov

17. The LAG should work more directly with intermediary bodies such as Scottish Forestry, NFUS etc to help it deliver its LDS

2.1 This was attempted in the previous programme, I would suggest that ScotGov will have to ‘iron out’ the wrinkles to avoid the endless policy issues that seemed to get in the way last time

If this means bringing them onto the LAG then that’s fine. If it means handing them funds to work within their sectors this will not deliver the integrated and innovative approach Leader is about.

I believe that a refresh of the LAG membership would help to address this issue

LAG needs to work with any group that supports its aims and understands its principles - especially independence. It needs to ensure that it is dealing with all, not just the high heid yins, esp in farming.

Some care needed here – ie whose agenda?

Need to discuss and commitment and willingness by all partners/ potential partners commit to stronger links between all bodies – requires.

This will allow better implementation of LDS through effective partnerships

Yes! and to embed in practical and well connected partnerships

20 The LAG 2.1 In my view this is a key issue. As with other scenarios above, we

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should develop a detailed image and communications strategy

could do with generating a collective sense of pride – no one else will, if we don’t

Not sure what it needs beyond the current. I am personally worried about the LAG promoting itself as something it is not – a forum representing authoritative opinion on community or business development. If this is what is needed then this needs to be agreed with the LA

This will probably need outside experience but would assist in all the above

It is clear that lots of groups have no idea that LAG exists

Agree requires some additional thought and new initiatives to address gaps/ issues that have been highlighted

Our large region needs a more coherence and a better brand in national consciousness. The LAG could lead through its own marketing and an enhanced DOR

Yes - but this may require additional staff/consultant expenditure

11. A feeling that products of the region are not being branded effectively.

2 The legacy of “Savour the Flavours” is great for food products and “Spring Fling” continues to brand the arts and crafts of the region but these activities need ongoing resource to continue

Our work with StF was one of our successes and a stronger focus on sharing and collaborative solutions could be the key here. Once again, less ‘me’ – more ‘us’

Both the Council and SE do provide good business training already.

Probably true but what is the market doing about it. This is not something that can be fixed by non-producers in my view. However if they came with ideas we should be willing to support them. Some of this has been done under the FLAG programme.

I believe this is being addressed in part

No point in having fantastic produce if no-one knows anything about it. Little appears to be done by way of "added value" to the raw ingredients. What are the producers / local authority doing about this? Some hotels / restaurants publicise local food. Some good work funded by LEADER but much more needed.

There has been considerable progress on this issue over the last few years

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Need to work on cooperation

No corporate brand like Made in Cumbria

3. Too many people find accessing leisure/sport facilities expensive or awkward.

1.8 Leader could do something about the perception here. If this is a real problem then there is a need to change perceptions as we live in an area with the most fantastic recreational opportunities and they are free (apart from transport).

Expensive only dependent on what activity people wish to engage in. Awkward – again would be dependent on what activity was chosen. There is pockets across region where travel to facilities is required (transport issue), however, there are lots of green space for walking, nature, low cost/ no cost activities with in parks/ forests etc

Other agencies have a prime role in this respect

See above re transport; social media might help to address this?

8. A growing gap between generations and a lack of respect/understanding.

1.8 Although there are exceptions, particularly in small rural communities, the gap caused by the rapid advancement of technology/social media is causing a growing gap between generations

I’m not sure that it is growing faster here than anywhere else. I also think that we have a solid undercurrent of quality volunteering and befriending that could be built upon. Connectivity could be important.

Is this a result of demographics and could Leader do anything significant about it fundamentally. It’s a respect/knowledge/wisdom agenda, tackle that at your peril!

Didn't Pliny talk about this in ancient Rome? Young people need to rebel but also to understand the importance of good manners towards all ages. And not all older people are well-mannered

Many folk are part of close knit extensive local families

Depends on what individuals are engaged with in their local communities or wider activities – not truly reflective across all communities or individuals.

Should be part of everything that we do.

There needs to be an even balance - not just ~"do gooding" toward the elderly, nor acquiescence to youth needs. Both can benefit from some of the same things - eg community hubs,

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conversations

9. There is a lack of understanding and compassion between different cultures.

1.8 I have not seen any evidence of this personally, nor I am I aware of any independent research

This is an area where we tried to be effective in the last programme. We have achieved much with rural LBGT issues. I would be interested to note whether this is construed as big an issue in our education system

Maybe but is it as significant as the generations issue in this area.

This is generally a very white, monocultural area and it will take a long time for that to change. That's not a reason for not trying. Educating people together in school may help in time

This is not a highly multicultural region

Depends on what individuals are engaged with in their local communities or wider activities – not truly reflective across all communities or individuals.

Yes. BUT often different cultures exist within the family unit, and aren't met by the broader community. More community events (eg Diwali) as well as school-based ones might help

12. A perception that green space/habitats continue to be lost in the region.

1.7 I don’t feel this at all

The major conservation bodies would argue that this is the case. I would like to see real evidence for this and am concerned to see funding in this area be aimed at community conservation work rather than for larger organisation projects.

The pressure on land is considerable and the damage is both obvious – plantation forestry replacing former farmland and insidious, the impact of enhanced nutrient levels on water quality and vegetation and the intensification of dairy industry in larger units. Ecosystem service approach is needed to help decide what choices we have

This is not something I have heard.

There are vast green spaces available in the region

Lost is not the word. Are not appreciated should be used

Erosion by people, jobs - but these can be important for tourism

20

Yellow – thematic/policy issuesGreen – implementation issues

21

Appendix D – Socio-Economic Profile of Dumfries and Galloway

Social Context

Population: Growth and Age Profile

The 2012 population of Dumfries and Galloway was approximately 150,800 (2.8% of the population of Scotland). This has grown from a population of 147,500 in 2000, but population growth proportional to the rest of Scotland has been slow (Error: Reference source not found). By 2035 the population is projected to fall by 4.5%1.

20002002

20042006

20082010

20120%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Aged 0 - 15 Aged 16 - 64Aged 65 and over

20002001

20022003

20042005

20062007

20082009

20102011

20122.5%

2.6%

2.7%

2.8%

2.9%

3.0%

Proportion of Scottish Population

Figure 1 - (Left) Demographic structure of Dumfries and Galloway, showing an ageing population; (Right) Population in Dumfries and Galloway has not grown as fast as Scotland

overall since 2000.

The population in Dumfries and Galloway is ageing. In mid-2012, 26.5% of the people in DG were pensionable age – the second highest proportion of any Scottish Local Authority area behind Argyll and Bute2. Only 58% of people in Dumfries and Galloway are of working age (2012); again, only Argyll and Bute has a lower proportion3. Population: Geographic Spread

123

22

Dumfries and Galloway is sparsely populated, as it covers approximately 643640 hectares4 (6436 km2), which is approximately 8.2% of the land area of Scotland5. The population spread across the area is shown in Error: Reference source not found.Error: Reference source not found

Figure 2 - Population by datazone across Dumfries and Galloway6.

456

23

Figure 3 - Population density by datazone across Dumfries and Galloway7

7

24

The main localities in Dumfries and Galloway are Dumfries and Stranraer – the only localities with more than 10,000 people.

Locality

2010 Population Estimate

Dumfries 31,630Stranraer 10,290Annan 8,430Locharbriggs 5,940Lockerbie 4,200Castle Douglas 4,160Dalbeattie 4,100Newton Stewart 3,860Kirkcudbright 3,140Gretna 3,010Moffat 2,550Langholm 2,130Kirkconnel 2,070Sanquhar 2,000Lochmaben 1,980Eastriggs 1,780Thornhill (Dumfries and Galloway) 1,620Gatehouse of Fleet 1,000Wigtown 920Ecclefechan 880Whithorn 820Creetown 650Eaglesfield 630Portpatrick 600Cargenbridge 570Glenluce 560Moniaive 530Port William 500

Table 1 - Populations of localities in Dumfries and Galloway (2010 - latest data)8

Urban/Rural: Dumfries and Galloway is a predominantly rural Local Authority area, with approximately 47% of the area defined as either accessible rural or remote rural areas9 (Error: Reference source not found and Error: Reference source not found). The 2013 Dumfries and Galloway Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) highlights that one third of people live in settlements with fewer than 500 people10. The figure of 23% remote rural areas is the sixth highest of all Local Authority areas across Scotland11. 891011

25

 

Large urban

Other urban

Accessible small towns

Remote small towns

Accessible rural

Remote rural

Dumfries & Galloway 0% 28% 17% 8% 24% 23%

Scotland 39% 30% 9% 4% 12% 6%

Table 2 - Urban/Rural Classification of Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland.12

Large urban Other urban Accessible small towns

Remote small towns

Accessible rural

Remote rural

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%

Dumfries & GallowayScotland

Figure 4 - Urban/Rural Classification of Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland.

Migration: Unlike other areas of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway has not experienced a net influx of migration from overseas:

12

26

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

SCOTLAND

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

-300

-250

-200

-150

-100

-50

0

50

D&G

Figure 5 - Overseas net migration to Scotland and to Dumfries and Galloway13

SIMD

Overall SIMD: 13 of the 193 data zones in Dumfries and Galloway are in the bottom 15% most deprived areas in Scotland, according to the 2012 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation14. These 13 datazones are within the (named) Intermediate Geographies of:

Lincluden and Lochside Stranraer Central Stranraer West Nithside and Nunholm Summerville Annan North Upper Nithsdale,

many of which are in or around Dumfries and Stranraer. However, there are also important areas of deprivation elsewhere in Dumfries and Galloway, such as the North, near Kirkconnel and Sanquhar.

1314

27

28

Figure 6 - Overall SIMD Ranking (deciles) across Dumfries and Galloway

SIMD – Geographic Access: The picture is very different when considering one of the component indicators of the SIMD, namely the geographic access rank. Over a quarter of the Dumfries and Galloway population lives further than a 30 minute drive to their nearest large town15. 76 of the 193 datazones (39%) in Dumfries and Galloway are in the 15% most access-deprived in Scotland. The 20 most deprived datazones are spread across Dumfries and Galloway and are located in the intermediate datazones of:

Boreland and Ecclefechan Crocketford and Carsphairn Dalbeattie Fleet Kirkcudbright Kirkmaiden Lochmaben and Parkgate Lower Annandale and SE Dumfries Lower Nithsdale Moffat and Eskdalemuir Moors New Abbey Portpatrick

Public transport time to places of Further Education are more than 45 minutes in many places across Dumfries and Galloway (Figure 8).

15

29

Figure 7 - SIMD Geographic Access Deprivation. Many of the datazones in Dumfries and Galloway are amongst the 15% most access deprived in Scotland.

30

Figure 8 - Access via public transport to places of Further Education.

SIMD – Crime: Just 12 of Dumfries and Galloway’s datazone are located in the 15% most deprived for crime. These Dumfries and Galloway “crime hotspots” are in the intermediate geographies of:

Nithside and Nunholm Stranraer Central Annan South Luncluden and Lochside Stranraer West Upper Nithsdale Kirkcudbright, and Gretna and Eastriggs

31

Housing: In 2009 there was a comprehensive review of housing need and demand in Dumfries and Galloway16. There were then six Housing Market Areas defined: Annan, Dumfries, Eskdale, Mid Galloway, Stewartry and Stranraer. Of these, Mid Galloway and Stewartry were noted for their high levels of purchases from “in-migrants” – 40% of sales between 2003 and 2007. More generally, the rising the proportion of older person households and of the younger working population led to a prediction that there will be challenges for affordable housing. The increase in the proportion of older person households is nearly twice the national average17.Affordability analysis as part of the 2009 Need and Demand Assessment showed that 44% of Dumfries and Galloway households could not afford to access the private housing market. Pressures on both private and social rented sectors were anticipated to grow.An additional concern in Dumfries and Galloway is that there are many households which have been identified as being in unsuitable housing. Fuel Poverty: From 2009-2011, 38.5% of households in Dumfries and Galloway lived in fuel poverty (ie, the household needed to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel for the household), substantially higher than the figure of 27.8% in Scotland over the same period.

Economic Context

The number of active enterprises per 10,000 people aged 16+ in Dumfries and Galloway has been higher than the Scottish average, but the gap has all-but closed in the last few years. As can be seen in , this is largely due to the fact that new business start-ups have remained static in Dumfries and Galloway with respect to Scotland overall.

1617

32

2009 2010 2011 2012330

340

350

360

370

380

390

Dumfries and Galloway Scotland

Activ

e En

terp

rises

per

10,

000

16+

popu

-la

tion

Figure 9 - Number of active enterprises per 10,000 16+ population in Dumfries and across Scotland18.

2009 2010 2011 20120

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Dumfries and GallowayScotland

Birt

hs o

f new

ent

erpr

ises p

er 1

0,00

0 16

+ po

pula

tion

Figure 10 - Births of enterprises per 10,000 16+ population in Dumfries and Galloway and

Scotland19.

In terms of the size of enterprises, the main differences between Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland are the slightly larger proportion of enterprises which are micro-businesses (fewer than 10 people) and the lack of any businesses employing more than 500 people.

1819

33

  0-10 10 - 19 20 - 49 50 - 99

100 - 249

250 - 499

500 - 999

1,000 +

SCOTLAND 158,960 19,700 12,365 3,985 2,245 650 255 130

Dumfries and Galloway

6,130 715 345 110 55 15 0 0

Table 3 - Number of local units in VAT and/pr PAYE based enterprises in 2013 by employment size band.

  0-10 10 - 19

20 - 49

50 - 99

100 - 249

250 - 499

500 - 999

1,000 +

SCOTLAND 80.17% 9.93% 6.24% 2.01% 1.13% 0.33% 0.13% 0.07%

Dumfries and Galloway

83.18% 9.70% 4.68% 1.49% 0.75% 0.20% 0.00% 0.00%

Table 4 - Proportion of all enterprises which are of the specified employment size band.

The industries which are notably strong in Dumfries and Galloway, in terms of the proportion of employees who are employed in that industry, are agriculture and fishing and distribution, hotels and restaurants (Error: Reference source not found). Both of these sectors have grown, proportionate to other industries in Dumfries in Galloway, since 2007. Employment in manufacturing has severely declined in recent years, from 9,500 jobs in 2007 to 5,200 jobs in 2013. The number of jobs in construction has also declined from 6,200 to 4,600.

34

 DG

2013Compared

to DG 2007

Compared to Scotland

2013A:agriculture and fishing (SIC 2007) 7.4% 1.5% 5.7%B,D,E:energy and water (SIC 2007) 3.1% 0.4% -0.4%C:manufacturing (SIC 2007) 8.1% -5.6% 0.1%F:construction (SIC 2007) 7.1% -1.9% 0.5%G,I:distribution, hotels and restaurants (SIC 2007) 21.5% 1.9% 2.1%H,J:transport and communications (SIC 2007) 5.0% -2.4% -2.9%K-N:banking, finance and insurance (SIC 2007) 12.0% 4.4% -3.8%O-Q:public admin. education and health (SIC 2007) 29.7% 0.7% -1.1%R-U:other services (SIC 2007) 5.7% 0.9% 0.3%G-Q:total services (SIC 2007) 73.9% 5.5% -5.4%

Table 5 - Employment by industry in Dumfries and Galloway 2013. Also shown is the comparison with Dumfries and Galloway in 2007, and with Scotland in 2013. The

proportion of employees working in agriculture and fishing is 5.7% higher in Dumfries and Galloway than Scotland20.

Fisheries in Dumfries and Galloway

The fisheries sector is an important component of Dumfries and Galloway’s economy. Kirkcudbright, the major port in terms of catch by weight and volume21, had a value of total landings by UK vessels of £3.4m in 201222, placing it in the top 20 UK ports by landed value. The main type of species in the Dumfries and Galloway fishing industry is scallops. As well as workers in the fishing fleet, West Coast Sea Products in Kirkcudbright is a major employer of over 150 staff in scallops processing operations23. The other major ports in terms of landed value in Dumfries and Galloway are the Isle of Whithorn and Stranraer.

Employment - Economic Activity

74.8% of the working age population in Dumfries and Galloway are economically active, similar to the Scottish figure of 76.8%24. Compared to Scotland overall, there is a lower proportion of working age people who are employees in Dumfries and Galloway (55.5% compared to 62.4% across Scotland) but a larger proportion who are self-employed (12.8% compared to 7.7% across Scotland). Generally, the reasons for economic inactivity are many-fold, ranging from student status, to sickness to retirement. In Dumfries and Galloway, there is a notable proportion of 2021222324

35

economically inactive people who are retired (29.4% compared to 16.8% across Scotland), and smaller proportion who are economically active due to their student status (15.8% compared to 22.8% across Scotland). An important factor in Dumfries and Galloway is that only 16.6% of economically inactive people actually want a job – across Scotland the figure is much higher (25.9%)25. Employment by Occupation

In Dumfries and Galloway, there are generally more people employed in jobs which require lower levels of qualifications (Error: Reference source not found). For example, the proportion of people in professional occupations is far lower in Dumfries and Galloway (13.0%) than the Scottish figure of 19.9%, whereas the proportions in skilled trades occupations and process, plant and machine operatives are, respectively, 3.4% and 2.9% higher in Dumfries and Galloway than Scotland overall.

Occupation (SOC2010 Classification) DG 2013

Compared to DG

2007

Compared to

Scotland 2013

1: managers, directors and senior officials 8.4% 0.7% -0.1%2: professional occupations 13.0% -0.2% -6.9%3: associate prof & tech occupations 10.3% 1.1% -2.4%4: administrative and secretarial occupations 10.3% -0.1% -0.6%5: skilled trades occupations 14.5% 0.2% 3.4%6: caring, leisure and other service occupations 11.6% 0.9% 2.3%7: sales and customer service occupations 8.5% 0.5% -0.6%8: process, plant and machine operatives 9.3% -3.4% 2.9%9: elementary occupations 13.7% 0.1% 2.3%

Figure 11 - Employment by Occupation (SOC2010 Classification)26. % shows the proportion of all 16+ people in employment in the area.

Skills

Skills levels in Dumfries and Galloway are markedly lower than across Scotland (Error: Reference source not found and Error: Reference source not found). Only 29.3% of the resident 16-64 population have NVQ4 level qualifications compared to 38.5% across Scotland. The proportion of people with no qualifications is also slightly higher in Dumfries and Galloway.

 Dumfries

and Galloway

ScotlandDumfries

and Galloway -

Scotland2526

36

NVQ4 and above 29.3% 38.5% -9.2%NVQ3 and above 50.2% 58.5% -8.3%NVQ2 and above 69.8% 73.1% -3.3%NVQ1 and above 80.1% 83.2% -3.1%

Other qualifications 7.7% 6.1% 1.6%

No qualifications 12.2% 10.7% 1.5%Table 6 - The proportion of resident population aged 16-64 with specified qualification

level. The third column shows the difference in these proportions in Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland overall, and is presented in Error: Reference source not found.

NVQ4 and ab

ove

NVQ3 and ab

ove

NVQ2 and ab

ove

NVQ1 and ab

ove

Other qualifi

cations

No qualificati

ons

-10.0%

-8.0%

-6.0%

-4.0%

-2.0%

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

Diffe

renc

e be

twee

n th

e pr

opor

tion

of

resid

ent 1

6-64

pop

ulati

on in

Dum

frie

s an

d th

e pr

opor

tion

acro

ss S

cotla

nd

Figure 12 - (see also Error: Reference source not found). The difference, between Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland, in the proportion of the resident 16-64 population with specified qualification levels. For example, the proportion of people with NVQ4 level

qualifications is 9.2% lower in D&G than Scotland

Earnings: Wages in Dumfries and Galloway are well below the national average, with full-time workers receiving a weekly pay of £443 on average compared to the Scottish average figure of £508. Earnings by workplace are also lower in Dumfries and Galloway (£436.80 compared to £508.30 across Scotland27). Benefits: In terms of the number of people unemployed, a commonly used measure is the JSA claimant count. In D&G, this has a different profile relative to Scotland for the overall working age client group (Error: Reference source not found) and for young people (18-24, Error: Reference source not found). In Dumfries and Galloway, the levels of youth unemployment have remained slightly above Scottish levels over the past decade. Like the rest of Scotland, in the last few years there has been a marked increase in persons claiming for over 1 year (Error: Reference source not found).

27

37

January

2000

January

2001

January

2002

January

2003

January

2004

January

2005

January

2006

January

2007

January

2008

January

2009

January

2010

January

2011

January

2012

January

2013

January

20140.0%0.5%1.0%1.5%2.0%2.5%3.0%3.5%4.0%4.5%5.0%

Dumfries and GallowayScotland

Figure 13 – Proportion of the 16-64 resident population claiming JSA. Dumfries and Galloway levels generally slightly below Scotland28.

January

2000

January

2001

January

2002

January

2003

January

2004

January

2005

January

2006

January

2007

January

2008

January

2009

January

2010

January

2011

January

2012

January

2013

January

20140.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

Dumfries and GallowayScotland

Figure 14 - Proportion of the 18-24 resident population claiming JSA. Dumfries and Galloway levels generally slightly above Scotland .

28

38

January 2010 January 2011 January 2012 January 2013 January 20140.0%

0.2%

0.4%

0.6%

0.8%

1.0%

1.2%

Dumfries and GallowayScotland

Figure 15 - Proportion of the 16-64 resident population claiming JSA for more than one year.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): The proportion of people claiming ESA for Dumfries and Galloway is generally lower than for Scotland overall, although there is a slightly higher proportion of young people claiming ESA. The most notable difference in terms of ESA claimants is that there is a higher proportion of people of all ages in Dumfries and Galloway who have been classified in the Support Group after the assessment phase, but lower proportion in the Work Related Activity Group (Error: Reference source not found). The Support Group is suitable for those with the most severe conditions, and so this suggests that there are people of all ages in Dumfries and Galloway with complex needs. This is supported by noting that prevalence of chronic conditions is higher than the Scottish average for many conditions (e.g., asthma, cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension)29.

29

39

aged 18-24

aged 25-34

aged 35-44

aged 45-49

aged 50-54

aged 55-59

0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

Work Related Activity Group

Dumfries and Galloway Scotland

aged 18-24

aged 25-34

aged 35-44

aged 45-49

aged 50-54

aged 55-59

0.0%1.0%2.0%3.0%4.0%5.0%6.0%

Support Group

Dumfries and GallowayScotland

Figure 16 - Proportion of the resident population claiming ESA, by ESA phase, in Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland.

The DWP also categorises benefit claimants by statistical groups (Error: Reference source not found); the predominance of the ESA/IB typology is typical of Scottish areas.

2,940

6,380

890

1,600

420 1,300

210

job seekerESA and incapacity benefitslone parentcarerothers on income related benefitdisabledbereaved

Figure 17 - Benefit claimants in Dumfries and Galloway - Working-Age Client Group, August 201330

30

40

Environmental Context

Dumfries & Galloway is home to many important or rare species of birds and animals, including red squirrels, red deer, red kites; bats, badgers and barnacle geese; oystercatchers and otters. Most such species are not listed as endangered or rare on the IUCN Red List but are UK-BAP priority species and appear on the Scottish Biodiversity List, showing their importance to Scotland and the UK as a whole. Wildlife observation is important to tourism in the area31. D&G has a very high habitat diversity including important fens and blanket bogs and intertidal mudflats. Dumfries & Galloway has 95 current SSSIs, 17 Special Areas of Conservation, 7 Special Protection Areas, and 17 sites with other forms of Protected Area status.The coastline is varied, with habitat-rich intertidal mudflats but also rocky coastline and sand and shingle beaches. Intertidal There are three National Scenic Area designations (Nith Estuary, Colvend Coast and Fleet Valley), as well as coastal Regional Scenic Areas around the inner Solway Firth, the Stewarty, the Rhins and the Machars32. Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere achieved UNESCO Biosphere status in 2012 - and is one of four in the UK. The biosphere encompasses the National Nature Reserves of Silver Flowe and Cairnsmore of Fleet and was first appointed Biosphere status in 1976, and was reinstated in 2012. Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park forms part of the “buffer zone” of the UNESCO biosphere.Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park was established as the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, in November 2009. There are now 5 other sites in the UK recognised by the International Dark Sky Association, but Galloway Forest Park is still the largest publicly accessible park free of light pollution in the UK. D&G is meeting targets for NO2, and has stopped monitoring other air pollutants (sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, benzene) on the basis that they are unlikely to be exceeded. Dumfries and Galloway boasts a rich cultural heritage, for example based on Robert Burns and Thomas Telford, as well as some of the earliest Christian memorials and pre-Christian landmarks such as the Ruthwell cross.

31

32

41

42