SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Alasdair Allan earlier this week spoke in Parliament in favour of the Scottish Government’s proposal for a Rural Visa Pilot Scheme during a debate called by Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes.

In the speech, Alasdair Allan highlighted the alarming statistics from the recent census which showed a 5.5% drop in the Western Isles’ population over the past decade. The MSP said these figures show the crossroads many communities are at, where their very existence as places where children grow up and people work is now in question.

The Scottish Government proposals for a rural visa pilot scheme are aimed at addressing depopulation in areas like the Highlands and Islands. Modelled on successful programs in other countries, such as Canada's Atlantic immigration program, the scheme aims to attract working-age families to these areas. It seeks to counteract declining populations by encouraging inward migration to sustain local industries, public services, and communities.

Speaking during the debate, Alasdair Allan said:

“Communities are crying out for a bespoke rural visa scheme to encourage inward migration. The proposal has been endorsed by Scotland’s local authorities, business groups and Parliament.

“Unfortunately, the necessary powers lie not with this Parliament but with another—one with an obsession with net migration and hostile rhetoric. If we are to create a wealthier Scotland—a Scotland that can meet the needs of its industry and public services and properly tackle depopulation—we need a tailored migration system.

“Communities in the Highlands and Islands need such a scheme from the UK Government sooner rather than later. Therefore, I hope that all parties will commit themselves either to providing rural visas to Scotland or to devolving the necessary powers so that Scotland can provide them herself.”