Integrating remote places: a place-based perspective on integration in the Scottish Outer Hebrides

This paper discusses the integration processes between migrants and local communities occurring in remote regions. Integration is approached as a two-way process of mutual accommodation between newcomers and receiving societies, as well as in its’ multidimensional domains. Remoteness is considered from a geographical and cultural point of view. Firstly, as a relative dimension: it depends on scale and connectivity rather than physical distance and on the mobility potential of the individuals. Secondly, as a cultural based one: the meaning of distance and accessibility are culturally specific; it contributes to shape regional identities and those identities participate in the definition of what remoteness, a remote place and community are. The findings suggest that integration processes are highly variable in remote regions. The spatial dynamics within a region between ‘remote’ and ‘more remote’ places need to be considered in this analysis of integration. Importantly, integration does not end at the border of the remote region, and hence needs to adopt a translocal perspective.