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A Rural Gathering is set to take place in Perth on September 25, bringing people together to drive forward a 'bright future' for rural Scotland.

It forms part of the Scottish Government's plans to empower rural communities, helping them to shape their own destiny and to remain vibrant and sustainable places.

The national event will be followed by a series of regional events. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations has today been awarded the contract to run the regional co-ordination service.

Speaking during a visit to Boreland of Girthton Farm in Castle Douglas, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"Rural Scotland has huge potential. Many of our rural industries, and the communities they support, are proving to be resilient in the current economic climate and are well-positioned for the future.

"The feel-good factor I witnessed at the Royal Highland Show at the end of June is evident across Scotland. I have been out and about over the summer, seeing for myself all that rural Scotland has to offer - fantastic produce in Orkney, a successful deer farm in Fife, first-class training facilities at Barony College in Dumfries and these innovative wetlands here in Castle Douglas.

"These visits fill me with confidence and show me that we have people with the skills and enterprising spirit to ensure the social and economic fabric of our rural communities remains strong. We need to harness those abilities and empower people to take charge of their own future.

"The Rural Gathering will help people learn from one another and to spread good ideas and practices. I look forward to attending and hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to come along."

The Rural Gathering will take place in Perth on September 25. This will be followed by around 20 local events a year to be run by the regional co-ordination service. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations has been awarded the contract to run this service.

The Scottish National Rural Network is one of four UK networks which helps connect rural Scotland and promote sustainable, economic growth and community development. Further details are available on the Rural Network website which also contains information on how to register interest in attending the Rural Gathering.

The Scottish Government's Community Empowerment Action Plan was launched in March 2009. It encourages people in both rural and urban areas to participate in the running of their neighbourhoods.

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