SCOTTISH RURAL Action has extended its consultation into the impact of Brexit on rural Scotland due to 'overwhelming' demand from rural communities to have a say.

The consultation, which was due to end this week before endorsement at the Scottish Rural Parliament, has now been extended till the end of November. The findings of the consultation will then be presented to the UK and Scottish Governments.

SRA chief executive, Emma Cooper, commented that it was 'critically important' that the voice of rural Scotland be heard ahead of Brexit: “While we do not yet know what the Brexit agreement will be, we know that it will mean very significant change for Scotland’s people, communities and enterprises and it is absolutely essential that rural concerns are listened to and understood.

“We have been overwhelmed by the breadth of interest and the depth of feeling about Brexit that is emerging from Scotland’s rural communities, and we are determined to provide a platform for rural voices to be heard.

“Post-Brexit policy will be explored at the Scottish Rural Parliament next week and our position statement handed over to Michael Russell, Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations. We are also encouraging rural communities who want to input into this consultation to get in touch and we will organise as many additional consultation events across rural Scotland as we are able to in response to this demand.”

To contribute to the written consultation, visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RuralBrexit

The Scottish Rural Parliament is being held in Stranraer on November 14 to 16. The event includes visits to local projects and a range of workshops and activities on Taking Action and Brexit. To attend, visit www.scottishruralparliament.org.uk