Caithness, Sutherland & Ross MSP Maree Todd has welcomed a recent funding award from the Scottish Government to the Highland Council aimed at tackling depopulation in North West Sutherland.
The local authority has been awarded £60,000 for 2024/25 from the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Fund, which supports the government’s approach to addressing the challenges of population, attraction and retention within communities facing population decline.
With North West Sutherland experiencing significant depopulation, it was identified as the most suitable area to benefit from the funding.
The funding will be used to explore alternative childcare solutions and develop North West 2045’s (NW2045) community-led vision into a delivery plan, which includes more affordable homes for young people, high speed broadband for all and rural hubs to support business, homeworking and delivery of services.
Commenting, Maree Todd MSP said:
“Given the population decline and the challenges this brings in North West Sutherland, I am delighted to see funding provided through the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Fund which will be used to support NW2045 in implementing key projects designed to boost the social and economic vibrancy of the area.
“Sutherland is absolutely bursting with potential—the Sutherland Space Port could position us as a global leader in space technology, but if we are to harness this opportunity, we need people.
“Ensuring good childcare availability is key to attracting and retaining people to live and work in the area.
“High-quality, accessible, and reliable childcare is what underpins local economies.
“Without it, household incomes drop, making it hard for many to sustain a living in rural areas.
“By ensuring better access to childcare, we can support parents to work, strengthen the local economy and build more vibrant, sustainable communities.
“Whilst this funding concentrates on North West Sutherland, the solutions developed could be applied across the Highlands, benefiting communities with similar childcare challenges.”
Maree Todd MSP adds:
“I’ve worked closely with the NW2045 group on childcare availability issues over the years, so I’m thrilled to see them, together with Boyd Alexander from the Highland Council’s Settlement Office for North Sutherland, leading on these projects.”
