7 in 10 people living in rural Scotland believe the Scottish Government should do more to make farming and fishing environmentally sustainable, according to a new poll.
The findings will put more pressure on Scottish Ministers to deliver for the environment as campaigners await detail of the new agricultural funding system and crucial decisions on marine management.
The poll, conducted by Diffley Partnership, asked a nationally representative sample of the Scottish population for their views on environmental issues. In addition to the nationally representative sample, the pollsters measured views among large samples of those living in rural Scotland and those living in the Highlands & Islands.
The results show that those living in rural and Highland Scotland both back more action to improve the sustainability of these crucial rural industries. Nationally, 78% of people in Scotland back more sustainable farming and 75% back more sustainable fishing.
Some current farming and fishing practices can negatively impact the environment, such as through greenhouse gas emissions from chemical fertilisers and ocean habitat damage from the use of heavy fishing gears.
The poll comes as leading environmental groups, under the Scotland Loves Nature banner, are calling for the Scottish Government to commit to legal targets to restore the natural environment.
Deborah Long, Chief Officer at Scottish Environment LINK, said:
“People in rural Scotland are often those most deeply connected to nature, and many rural jobs depend on a healthy natural environment.
“Farming and fishing are essential industries which provide jobs, sustain communities and put food on our table.
“But those jobs, and the food we rely on, depend on nature.
“This research shows that those living in rural areas want the Scottish Government to take action to make these industries resilient and sustainable.”
Jenny Crockett, Outreach and Communications Manager at the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), said:
“The Scottish Government is legally required to address the impacts of harmful fishing on the environment—a duty they have repeatedly neglected.
“It’s time for them to heed the call of the Scottish people and reform fisheries management, as sustainable fishing is essential to protect livelihoods, sustain communities, and preserve our marine environment for future generations.”
ENDS