What next for Scotland’s places?

Global Expert considers the actions needed to help all of Scotland’s places thrive post-pandemic

A new report by Professor Duncan Maclennan, commissioned by the David Hume Institute, examines how the country can move forward to A Scotland of Better Places.  

The report explores how thinking has to move to comprehending place policies that match real social, environmental and economic systems and that connect places rather than separate them into different, arbitrary categories for policy action. 

Covid shone a light on the places in which we live, work, study, play and grow.  Our places will play a central role in Scotland’s recovery. They are inter-connected, inter-dependent and impact on every aspect of our lives.

The report is part of David Hume Institute’s Action Project investigating actions for Scotland to move faster towards a country that is more prosperous, sustainable, inclusive and fair. The project engaged more than 4,500 people from across Scotland, bringing together a broad range of perspectives. 

Professor Duncan Maclennan said “There is not a single magic action to make all of Scotland’s Places thrive. Over the years there have been many policies, strategies and initiatives, often top down and not involving local people. The events of the last year have dramatically changed many people’s relationships with the places in their lives.  

This is an opportunity to build forward better from Covid-19 and recognise the connections within and between places.  There are major long-term changes required, and much agreement about what needs to change and how to change it. Bold policy choices could remake the sub-national governance and government of Scotland to match modern place challenges.”

Professor Maclennan suggests “Using reformed financial and tax structures, listening to communities and individuals, (and especially younger and poorer Scots) in the democratic processes that will make Scotland a more prosperous, sustainable, inclusive and fair country.” 

Professor Maclennan’s report is based on conversations with over 600 people in webinars.  The conversations revealed the broad range of new ideas that individuals and communities are ready to share and enact with governments.

Catch up with our launch event with report author Professor Duncan Maclennan and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery John Swinney MSP.