Committees

The future of Scotland’s high streets

Inquiry

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.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was 11:59pm on 23 December 2025.

Upcoming events

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No upcoming events scheduled

Past events

Wednesday 8 July 2026
9:00am Private
9:30am Public
The future of Scotland’s high streets - Oral evidence 8 July 2026
9:30am
  • Eric Leenders (Managing Director (Personal Finance) at UK Finance)
10:30am
  • Chris Ashton (Chief Commercial Officer at LINK)
  • Poppy Simister-Thomas (Chief Strategy Officer at Cash Access UK)
  • Jack Foden (Head of Public Affairs and Policy at Post Office)
Room 6, Palace of Westminster
Wednesday 21 January 2026
9:00am Private
9:30am Public
The future of Scotland’s high streets - Oral evidence 21 January 2026
9:30am
  • Professor James White (Professor at University of Glasgow)
  • Professor Leigh Sparks (Professor at University of Stirling)
  • Professor Cathy Parker MBE (Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University)
10:30am
  • Colin Borland (Scotland Director at Federation of Small Businesses)
Room 6, Palace of Westminster

Contact us

We receive a significant number of emails each day. All requests and invitations are considered but we do not respond directly to everyone. Please be aware, the committee does not look at individual cases or specific complaints.