ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the characteristics, performance and contribution of Scotland's rural economies and businesses, and the challenges and opportunities they face. It provides 'rural economies' as there are marked variations across rural Scotland that it is inaccurate to refer to one rural economy. The chapter describes the main characteristics of Scotland's rural economies, the changing employment structure and type and size of businesses. It examines the policy and institutional contexts for Scotland's rural economies. The chapter discusses how rural economies feature in the Scottish Government's overarching policy documents, and focusing on 'narrow' rural policies. It also discusses the ways in which they address rural economic development issues, particularly since devolution. The chapter describes the institutional context for rural businesses in Scotland. It concludes with some of the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland's rural economies both now and in future.
