The empirical research is being conducted in three case-study areas in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Each study area is delineated by local government ward boundaries. A summary of results from each study area will be available from March 2011.

Scotland:

The Isle of Bute.

Wales:

Disserth & Trecoed and Howey wards in Radnorshire, Powys.

Northern Ireland:

Glendun and Carnlough wards in the Glens of Antrim.

Each study area recorded above average rates of in-migration of the pre-retired age cohort at the 2001 Census.  In their national context, each area is officially categorised by the respective Government as having a remote, rural and/or dispersed population and settlement structure.

Whilst at a UK level the balance of processes contributing to population change differ between the study areas, all areas share in common a history of selective out-migration of the younger age-cohorts, fragile economic structures, challenges to the provision of services and outstanding natural landscapes.