Report: A Scotland of Better Places
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 is part of the Institute’s Action Project investigating the actions needed for Scotland to move faster towards being a country that is more prosperous, sustainable, inclusive and fair.
A Scotland of Better Places examines actions needed for places to deliver faster social, environmental and economic benefits.
Covid shone a light on the places in which we live, work, study, play and grow. The events of the last year have dramatically changed many people’s relationships with the places in their lives.
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 based on conversations with over 600 people in webinars. The conversations revealed a broad range of ideas that individuals, communities and organisations are ready to share and enact with governments.
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.
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.”
The report is part of the David Hume Institute’s Action Project which engaged more than 4,500 people from across Scotland, bringing together a broad range of perspectives on how Scotland can build forward better from the Covid-19 pandemic.
