The community groups uniting to reverse decline in rural services

Ten community groups representing much of rural Stirling Council area are coming together in a new collective to help empower local campaigns to address shared issues and ambitions. | Supplied

Ten community organisations spanning the majority of the region they sit within have joined forces in an unprecedented alliance to amplify local voices and tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing Scotland's rural areas.

The new collective, McLaren Communities Futures (MCF), brings together groups from across Stirlingshire covering more than 600 square miles — around 70 per cent of Stirling Council's land mass — making it one of, if not the biggest geographical forum of its type in Scotland.

While MCF remains in its infancy, supporters believe it offers a model for how dispersed communities across the nation can combine their influence at a time when many face shrinking services and uncertain futures.

High on the list of issues include inadequate transport links, building resilience, housing problems and depopulation, concerns that are widespread across parts of rural Scotland and its islands.

Those involved with MCF, named after McLaren High School in Callander, said it represents a growing recognition that isolated rural communities are more likely to influence policymakers if they act together rather than alone.

"Like many rural areas, rural Stirling has many problems and challenges," said Euan Palmer, Community Project and Woodland Officer with Strathfillan Community Development Trust.

"Public transport is totally inadequate. There are multiple issues with services throughout our communities. It's a common-sense plan that communities with similar problems, that are close to each other, have more influence and strength when they work as one voice."

The project grew from a desire among local organisations to amplify their influence and share what they know, according to Chiara Fingland of MCF.

“We wanted to have a mutual aid system and look at the various strengths in the different communities and share that knowledge and expertise,” she said.

Despite operating on what MCF described as a "tiny budget", the organisation has already conducted consultations across its ten member communities which identified five priorities: stronger communities, better transport connections, improved energy efficiency, nature restoration, and the development of new skills and jobs, particularly in the green economy.

For many residents, transport remains the defining challenge.

Gary Richardson, who lives in Thornhill, believes connectivity underpins many other issues facing rural areas.

"If you ask individuals what their single priority is, everyone will have their own favourite topic," he said. "Transport and interconnectivity is the main one for me. But all our priorities are important."

One of Stirling’s main bus depots, the Bannockburn depot, is currently at the centre of an ongoing row over the operator proposing close it down and combine its Forth Valley operations. The operator insists passengers should not experience disruption to bus services.

Just over a year into collaboration, MCF is now seeking significant multi-year funding to support its ambitions and expects a decision on a major grant application shortly. Yet members insist the project will continue regardless of the outcome.

Freddy Bowen-Bate, operations manager at Callander Community Development Trust, said the benefits were already becoming apparent.

"We realise that the community groups have so much knowledge, expertise and passion, so it made sense to link up and be proactive, looking out for each other and helping each other," he said.

"If anyone is thinking of starting a community fridge, a tool library or a bike-share scheme, they'll have easy access to local expertise. The people power we have is great."

The collective is also beginning to establish itself as a conduit between local residents and public bodies. Members say they are already providing feedback to Stirling Council and other agencies on issues ranging from bus routes and timetables to local planning decisions.