Rural Caithness needs its own approach to mental wellbeing
Holyrood Notebook by Ariane Burgess
Caring for our physical and mental wellbeing often takes centre stage at this time of year. With mental health services more stretched than ever, it can feel overwhelming to acknowledge challenges, seek support, and start on the path to mental wellbeing.
If you’re feeling like that, you are far from alone. The number of people reporting mental health conditions has surged in recent years, and the situation is particularly pronounced for those living in remote mainland communities like Caithness, where access to specialist services often requires significant travel.
When the Scottish Greens joined the Scottish Government in 2021, we made a commitment to increase mental health spending by 25% per cent during this parliamentary session. This was a promise to the people of Scotland, acknowledging the urgent need to address what was a clearly growing mental health crisis.
In 2023, Audit Scotland calculated that to meet this commitment, annual spending would need to reach £342 million by 2026-27. However, the Scottish Government is now proposing to reduce its annual mental health budget to £270 million for the last year of this government.
This represents a significant step backwards and makes it unlikely the government will deliver on its promise.
Rural communities in Caithness face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. The distances to major urban centres, the ongoing changes to traditional industries, and the particular pressures of rural life can impact mental wellbeing significantly.
The Caithness Mental Health Support Group – which runs The Haven in Wick and Stepping Stones in Thurso – has been highlighting these issues, calling for more locally-based services that understand our distinct rural context.
Digital support services have become increasingly vital in Caithness, helping to bridge the gap between communities and mental health professionals.
While the Dunbar Hospital’s mental health services and local GP practices have expanded their support in recent years, we know much more must be done to develop early-intervention approaches that work within our rural setting.
One area that holds particular promise is the concept of regenerative mental health. This approach focuses on creating environments that support mental wellbeing and resilience, building on Caithness’s strong community spirit and rich cultural heritage.
By adopting a regenerative approach, we can create communities that are not only healthier but also more resilient in the face of challenges.
It is clear that we need to do more to address the mental health crisis in Scotland. This requires a commitment from all levels of government, as well as from communities and individuals.
We must prioritise mental health funding, ensure that services are accessible to all, and adopt innovative approaches to support mental wellbeing. We cannot afford to go backwards. The mental health of our nation depends on it.
• Ariane Burgess is a Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
Need help?
Caithness Mental Health Support Group: Email: cmhsg4all-hr@outlook.com Telephone: 01847 892177 or 01955 605264
Caithness Community Mental Health Team – Thurso 01847 891224 and Wick 01955 606915
Breathing Space – 0800 838587
Samaritans – 116 123
