The Rural Commission
The Rural Commission was established to look at the challenges and opportunities that exist outwith central urban Scotland and ensure we harness the future economic potential of all of Scotland.
This independent Commission was launched in April 2018 with its final report published in September 2019.
Final Report of the Rural Commission Published: An Economy for All of Scotland
With 42 recommendations contained in ‘An Economy for All of Scotland – Harnessing Our Potential for Everyone, Everywhere’ the Commission has looked at what it believes are some of the measures that can allow the right decisions to be made to support investment and strengthen the contribution of people everywhere. The report covers people, place, and productivity, and its recommendations aim to:
- Understand and Embed the economy of rural Scotland in decision making and provide the right support for different parts of the country.
- Ensure people have access to housing that is affordable and secure, and more effectively support the development, businesses necessary, to meet that need.
- Drive infrastructure that can support a transition to a low carbon future and the utilisation of our natural resources, whilst recognising the transport connectivity needs of people throughout the country.
- Consider the actions government and business can take to strengthen the economy throughout Scotland and look at how they can work together to unlock future growth.
Get in touch
Please share your views using the form below on what you believe can help harness the economic potential of rural Scotland.
Commission Chair

Chris Gaffney
Group Finance Director
Johnstons of Elgin
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Commission Members

Jane Cumming
Managing Director
Platform PR
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Malcolm Macleod
Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy
The Highland Council
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Dr Stuart Black
Chief Executive
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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Jim Savege
Chief Executive
Aberdeenshire Council
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Ewan MacColl
Operations Director Processing & Feed Scotland
Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd
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Andrew Howard
Managing Director
Moray Estates Development Company
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Jen Vanderhoven
Vice-Principle Engagement
University of the Highlands and Islands
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Rachel McEwan
Director of Sustainability
SSE
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Steven MacDonald
Economic Development Team Leader
Stirling Council
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Tom Uppington
Managing Director
Alvance Aluminium
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Fraser Grieve
Deputy Director Strategy & Communications
Scotch Whisky Association
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Robert Thorburn
Partnership Director
Openreach
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Calum Iain MacIver
Director of Development
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
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Clive Phillips
Partner
Brodies LLP
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Fiona Larg MBE
Chief Operating Officer and Secretary
Univeristy of the Highlands and Islands
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Gary I Campbell
Highlands & Islands Committee Vice - Chair
SCDI
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Rhona Gunn
Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment & Finance)
Moray Council
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Fergus Murray
Head of Development & Economic Growth
Argyll & Bute Council
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