Rural Vision
Our work to date has been primarily focused in urban areas where 80% of Scotland’s population live in the central belt. Scotland’s greatest natural resource, the land itself, is rich in natural heritage, recreational and economic potential. However, the majority urban population are largely excluded from these benefits and are losing their cultural and social connection to the land. The rural vision aims to renew that connection and foster urban-rural partnerships of mutual benefit.
The GalGael community are currently distributed throughout Scotland, although the majority of members are based in the heart of inner-city Glasgow, where our Urban Skills Centre is located. Integral to our founding vision is the intention to build and sustain a Rural Folk School, as part of a socially-inclusive community where ways of living are explored that balance a community’s economic, cultural, social and environmental needs and responsibilities in right relationship.
Our rationale for a rural location is manifold, including deepening and strengthening the interconnections between the rural and urban areas of Scotland. This will enhance understanding, reduce prejudice, and mutually improve quality of life. Furthermore, it will be the ultimate counterpart to our established urban work, allow us to extend our template for transformative renewal to other areas and creatively match rural challenges to urban opportunities and visa versa.
Our hope would be that this flagship project would become a proponent for affordable, sustainable housing; providing a focus for developing appropriate building techniques, expertise around community-based servicing and delivering training in self-build methods and associated skills. Beyond this, it would extend GalGael’s work in exploring how to reweave the fabric of community and cooperatively meet our needs by life-enhancing and community-efficient means. The proposed Rural Folk School will train tomorrow’s craftspeople, trades-folk and community leaders.
