This paper examines the demographic and economic impacts associated with th
e repopulation of rural Scotland. It incorporates data obtained from a hous
ehold survey and qualitative interviews. Possible threats include increased
competition in all housing sectors and changes in the composition of rural
communities. It is argued that these changes are not solely caused by in-m
igration, but that in-migration is itself a product of national and global
advancement. Any assessment of migration impacts needs to be viewed within
the context of rural restructuring - a view which is taken in this analysis
. Using this approach it is concluded that rural in-migration is associated
with many opportunities (employment creation and prospects for increased r
ural expenditure). However, these economic opportunities have yet to be ful
ly realised for the benefit of rural Scotland. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Lt
d. All rights reserved.