Rural And Island Communities Under Growing Pressure

A new report examining rural and island communities in Scotland has highlighted growing pressures on childcare and older people’s care, set within a wider analysis of demographic change, workforce availability, connectivity and economic sustainability — challenges that closely mirror those facing rural areas across the UK.

The Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) led research, produced as part of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme 2022–2027, explores how demographic change, workforce shortages and rising delivery costs are reshaping demand for care services at a faster pace than in urban areas.

The report finds that ageing populations, fewer working-age adults and difficulties recruiting health, social care and childcare staff are already limiting local capacity to meet care needs. In some areas, a declining care-home footprint is increasing reliance on informal or family-based care, adding pressure to households already facing higher living and fuel costs.

At the same time, limited access to affordable childcare is constraining employment opportunities for younger families, particularly women, and undermining efforts to attract and retain working-age residents. Researchers warn this reinforces population decline and poses long-term risks to economic sustainability.

Professor Steven Thomson, lead author of the report, describes a “double challenge” for rural and island communities: rising demand for elderly care alongside persistent barriers to childcare provision, both essential to sustaining local workforces and economic activity.

The report also highlights wider, interconnected pressures including child and fuel poverty, housing affordability, transport and digital connectivity. One in five children in rural Scotland is estimated to live in relative poverty, while older residents face additional challenges linked to poorer housing energy efficiency and reduced service access.

Based on its findings, the report calls for coordinated, long-term investment in care provision alongside housing, transport, connectivity and workforce development. Priority actions include strengthening community-based services, tackling workforce shortages through targeted recruitment and housing support, and ensuring national policies better reflect rural and island realities.

While the evidence focuses on Scotland, the underlying issues closely reflect challenges facing rural communities elsewhere, offering relevant insight for policymakers and stakeholders working to support resilient rural economies across the UK.

Selected sections of the report are available online, including:

• Highlights, Executive Summary and Report Conclusions
• Introduction and Policy Context
• Port and Ferry Infrastructure
• Broadband and Mobile Connectivity
• Nurseries, Childminders and Early Years Provision
• Older People: Activity and Care Services
• Housing: insights from Energy Performance Certificate data
• Supported Agricultural Activity
• Annexes

The full report can be found here