Dumfries and Galloway Council has agreed next steps to address rural depopulation following a debate at Full Council on 26 March 2026.
Councillors considered findings from three research reports on depopulation, published last month and funded by the Scottish Government.
The studies examine population change across the region and identify practical actions to help communities grow and thrive.
The research was delivered by the council in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland and Community Development Lens (CoDEL).
The reports explore housing, feedback from community engagement and real examples of actions that have already worked in other rural areas in Scotland, the UK and overseas.
They highlight six connected factors that influence population change: housing, employment, education, transport, health and social connections.
Full Council noted the findings and agreed to embed the learning into future council activity and partnership working.
This includes shaping policy, informing investment decisions, mapping assets across the region to identify opportunities for action, and working with national, regional and local partners.
The work will also support ongoing initiatives to attract and retain people in rural communities, promoting the region as a positive place to live, work and invest.
A council spokesperson said: “Rural depopulation affects many parts of Scotland, and there are no quick or simple solutions.
“These reports give us a strong evidence base rooted in the lived experience of our communities.
“They help us understand what makes people stay, leave or move here and what really matters in everyday life.
“Full Council has agreed that we now take this learning forward and use it to shape how we work with partners.
“Our focus is on practical wide-ranging actions that support sustainable, thriving communities across Dumfries and Galloway.”
The research reports are available on the council’s website Dumfries and Galloway Council Publishes Rural Depopulation Research Reports | Dumfries and Galloway Council
The committee papers for today’s discussion at Full Council can be viewed at: Agenda for Dumfries and Galloway Council on Thursday, 26th March, 2026, 10.30 am | Dumfries and Galloway Council