Community Change-scapes of COVID-19 Recovery: Cross-case Report for the Highlands and Islands

This community-driven research examined the impacts of COVID-19 for those members of deprived urban communities who are hardest to reach and for those living in remote rural settings. The rationale for this study was based on evidence that COVID-19 has had and continues to have disproportionate impacts on marginalised areas and communities (OECD 2020). It is imperative to listen to these voices in developing strategies for recovery.

The data collection for this project commenced during the winter lockdown of February until July 2021 and so started to examine impacts and experiences of the pandemic whilst the situation was very much live, during a time of great uncertainty about the future.

Four detailed case study reports accompany this cross-case analysis providing the evidence from these local research processes across the varying geographies of the Highlands and Islands: Merkinch and South Kessock in Inverness; Kyle and Lochalsh in Wester Ross; urban and remote locations across Caithness; and Orkney. Over 260 local residents were spoken to in detail across the
sites from harder to reach deprived and/or remote communities and so the partnership with local organisations and networks was vital. The participants provided details on the complexities of their everyday lives and experiences during the pandemic and the associated restrictions.

There were differences in process and findings determined by geographies, including who was defined as the hardest hit and issues of context and community being important in the kind of support suggested by people of different genders, generations and situations.

Gathering evidence on local realities and everyday lives during the pandemic through in-depth, creative, qualitative research leads to a better understanding of what is required in order for local communities across the region to continue to cope with the aftermath of the pandemic and associated restrictions.

The following priorities emerged as important for future action at the regional level:
• Continuing research and support to the hardest hit living in remote and deprived areas including assistance with food and fuel poverty and attention to those having difficulty managing on universal credit.
• Future focus on young people including children and youth as well as groups and organisations that are supporting their education, employment and social activities.
• Support for those living by themselves including the long-term unemployed and the elderly.
• Community support for face-to-face mental health services for all age groups.
• Services that are based within communities to provide support on substance abuse, especially in the most deprived urban areas.
• Support for people with relatively insecure employment or low incomes and recovery plans for small and medium sized enterprises, particularly in hospitality and tourism and for people engaged in delivering basic services.
• Addressing digital poverty in terms of devices, skills and affordable data/ internet in deprived urban settings and poor connectivity in remote rural locations.
Ongoing support for local community organisations is essential for addressing these priorities. There is also a key role for community-driven research partnerships between academics and organisations
embedded in communities across the Highlands and Islands to support recovery and renewal post pandemic and contribute to future community development.