Select Committee · Scottish Affairs Committee
The future of Scotland’s high streets
Status: Open
Opened: 11 Nov 2025
Inquiry scope
In Scotland, as in other parts of the UK, concerns have been raised about how high streets and town centres are changing. Scotland’s high streets face multiple challenges, and many have been described as being in ‘decline’. However, possible new models for resilient and thriving high streets are emerging, while there continues to be interest in community-led regeneration. This inquiry will engage with local communities and other stakeholders to explore what a positive vision for the future of Scottish high streets and town centres might look like, and to examine what role government might play in making this vision a reality. Read the call for evidence for more details about the inquiry.Oral evidence sessions
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| Date | Session and witnesses | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Jul 2026 |
The future of Scotland's high streets – Session 3
Chris Ashton · LINK,
Eric Leenders · UK Finance,
Jack Foden · Post Office,
Poppy Simister-Thomas · Cash Access UK
|
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| 21 Jan 2026 |
Scotland’s high streets – session 1
Colin Borland · Federation of Small Businesses,
Professor Cathy Parker MBE · Manchester Metropolitan University,
Professor James White · University of Glasgow,
Professor Leigh Sparks · University of Stirling
|
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Who gave evidence
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| Witness | Organisation | Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Ashton · Chief Commercial Officer | LINK | 1 |
| Colin Borland · Scotland Director | Federation of Small Businesses | 1 |
| Eric Leenders · Managing Director (Personal Finance) | UK Finance | 1 |
| Jack Foden · Head of Public Affairs and Policy | Post Office | 1 |
| Poppy Simister-Thomas · Chief Strategy Officer | Cash Access UK | 1 |
| Professor Cathy Parker MBE · Professor | Manchester Metropolitan University | 1 |
| Professor James White · Professor | University of Glasgow | 1 |
| Professor Leigh Sparks · Professor | University of Stirling | 1 |
Correspondence
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