ABSTRACT
The South of Scotland has a relatively low profile within Scotland. This chapter aims to increase awareness of the South of Scotland and examines the issues and challenges that are confronting the area. It considers the main economic and social issues and trends in the South of Scotland. The former South of Scotland European Parliament constituency, which is also the area covered by South of Scotland list Members of the Scottish Parliament, includes Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, South and East Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and East Lothian. To provide more higher education opportunities, university campuses have been established in the South of Scotland. The South of Scotland has a high quality and distinctive environment. The small towns and villages scattered throughout the South of Scotland act as centres of economic activity, service centres and population holding points. There is a great deal of civic pride, energy and community spirit amongst the people and communities in the South of Scotland.
