McArthur highlights need for review of the Scottish Urban-Rural Classification

Liam McArthur, Orkney's MSP, has today warned Ministers that the current Urban-Rural Classification used by government to determine funding for the delivery of public services does not fully capture all aspects of rurality, particularly in island contexts. 

Mr McArthur raised the issue during General Questions, where he noted that under the current classification, ferry-linked isles like Hoy, Westray and Sanday are all classified under the same band 8 as much of Mainland Orkney despite being entirely reliant on ferry and air services for accessing many key public services.

Commenting further after the exchange, Mr McArthur said:

"Rural communities across Scotland face unique challenges in the delivery of vital public services. The Urban-Rural Classification aims to account for those challenges when determining how government support and funding is targeted.

“It’s a concern, therefore, that varying levels of rurality, particularly in island settings, do not appear to be properly reflected in the current classifications. 

"There is no question that those living in Kirkwall experience different challenges to accessing public services compared to their counterparts in Edinburgh or Glasgow. The same is true of those in Sanday, North Ronaldsay or Hoy compared to those living on the Orkney mainland.

"As the MSP for Shetland, this is a point not lost on the Finance Minister. I welcome Ms Goodlad’s willingness to engage further with me on this issue to see if refinements to the classification can be made to ensure it better reflects the needs and circumstances of island communities."