Access to basic human rights—health, housing, and food—is proving increasingly difficult in parts of Scotland, according to a new report by the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC). The findings shed light on persistent inequalities in rural and island communities, despite government efforts to address these challenges.
Housing Shortages: A Barrier to Stability
In Orkney, a lack of affordable housing is driving people to turn down job offers, exacerbating economic challenges. Abuse survivors, unable to find safe accommodations, face the added trauma of staying near their alleged offenders.
The housing crisis isn’t new, but the SHRC’s report puts hard numbers to the problem. For example:
- More than 40% of Western Isles households live in fuel poverty.
- Working families across the Highlands and Islands are increasingly reliant on food support services, signaling a broader affordability issue.
Efforts to address this have included the construction of over 10,000 affordable homes in rural Scotland between 2016 and 2023. Yet, as SHRC highlights, the gap between need and availability remains stark.
Health Services Under Strain
Centralized healthcare services are creating significant barriers for rural residents. Expectant mothers from Caithness, for instance, are forced to travel to Inverness—a journey that adds stress and costs.
Caithness campaigner Rebecca Wymer expressed her frustration: “Gynaecology is a basic human right. Women make up 51% of Scotland’s population. It’s unacceptable that access to these services is considered optional.”
The issue isn’t limited to maternity care:
- 14,000 patients a year from Caithness and Sutherland travel to Inverness for various treatments.
- Parents and carers in the Western Isles often undertake 500-mile weekly commutes to secure education services for those with learning disabilities.
The government’s establishment of a National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care aims to address these gaps, but its impact remains to be seen.
Transportation Woes
Public transport—or the lack of it—further complicates daily life. In Skye, infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with the influx of visitors over the past two decades, leaving locals to navigate crumbling roads and unreliable transport links.
In areas where even basic transport is a struggle, accessing healthcare, education, and work becomes a monumental task.
SHRC Findings: A Sobering Snapshot
The SHRC visited 20 locations, including Elgin, Lerwick, and Stornoway, and concluded that no single human right met international standards of adequacy. Key findings include:
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Housing Shortages | Job offers declined, abuse survivors at risk |
| Centralized Healthcare | 14,000 annual patient journeys to Inverness |
| Fuel Poverty | 40% of Western Isles households affected |
| Education Gaps | 500-mile weekly commutes for parents and carers |
Chairwoman Prof. Angela O’Hagan emphasized the need for urgent action: “Too many people are hungry, homeless, and without access to essential services. This report must be a wake-up call for duty-bearers to meet their obligations.”
Government Response
A Scottish government spokesperson acknowledged the issues but highlighted ongoing efforts, including:
- Nine targeted actions to reduce reliance on food parcels.
- Significant investment in affordable housing.
- Plans for long-term sustainable healthcare through the National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care.
However, critics argue that these measures fall short of addressing the scale and urgency of the problem.
