In response to strong interest in the potential establishment of a new credit union for rural Scotland, SAOS, with KTP partners Aberdeen University, and support from NFU Scotland and RHASS, is running a survey to investigate alternative finance options for farms and rural businesses.

Rural residents, farming families and other businesses throughout Scotland are beiang asked to join the survey and add their views by SAOS, Scotland’s umbrella body for farmer co-ops and rural co-op development.

James Graham, SAOS Chief Executive, explains: “In light of the credit squeeze of recent years and changes to rural banking services, we want to ask if the people and businesses of rural Scotland would welcome the opportunity to manage some of their financial resources themselves.”

Stephen Young, who's managing the project, explains: "The survey is appropriate for anyone living and working in rural Scotland, farmers, business owners and particularly young farmers who may well be looking for finance in the future.

"The survey results will help shape our plans, but the overall idea is to explore how money could remain within the rural economy and flow between generations and within local communities. This would provide an alternative to traditional bank services, with policies and decision-making lying with members in rural Scotland.”

James Graham continues: “One possibility is to form a credit union, its aim would be to serve the entire rural community of Scotland, ensuring that members’ money is used to support rural needs.” To take the survey, follow the link from www.saos.coop. If you can’t fill it in online, ring 01466 792487 or email survey@saos.coop.

Everyone completing the survey will be entered into a prize draw. First prize is two nights at Crieff Hydro with dinner, bed and breakfast for two, and there are four runner up prizes of £100.