The Rural Exchange provides an exciting new platform for people living and working across Scotland's rural and island communities to have their voices heard in both research and policy-making and to access pertinent research reports and data.
Within the Strategic Research Programme, Theme E focuses on Rural Futures and it consists of 6 research projects across Scotland's Rural College and the James Hutton Institute. Our Rural Exchange provides a new interface between SRUC's research on Scottish Government priority topics relating to: (1) Rural Economy; (2) Rural Communities; and (3) Land Reform.
The Rural Exchange acts as a knowledge exchange hub for a number of projects funded by the Scottish Government's 2022-2027 Strategic Research Programme for the environment, natural resources and agriculture.
The 'Novel Insights on Scotland’s Rural and Island Economies (NISRIE)' project is focused on providing insights on rural and island economies whilst the Reimagined policy futures: Shaping sustainable, inclusive and just rural and island communities in Scotland (ReRIC) focuses on persistent challenges faced by rural communities. Related projects are also being conducted by colleagues at the James Hutton Institute through their Scotland's Rural and Island's Future Project.
The Scottish Land Insights project is examining various aspects of land ownership and land management to inform ongoing land reform policy decisions. Related research is also ongoing within the James Hutton Institute through their Scotland's Land Reform Futures project.
Through the Rural Exchange the research team at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) would like to hear from you about key issues affecting your everyday lives as households and businesses, what is working well in your community, and what could be improved.
We welcome all interest for members of island and rural communities and businesses to engage with the Rural Exchange
At SRUC we run several pieces of research about land use and changes to these usages, including in the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme.
Read MoreThis Reimagined policy futures: Shaping sustainable, inclusive and just rural and island communities in Scotland (ReRIC) project is funded through the Rural Futures Theme of the Scottish Government's 2022-27 Strategic Research Programme on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.
Read MoreApplying a rural lens to policy means considering the specific needs, challenges, and opportunities of rural communities when designing and implementing policies. It involves taking into account the unique characteristics and contexts of rural areas, such as lower population densities, limited access to services, and different economic structures to promote the long term sustainability and prosperity of rural areas.
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The third NISRIE report on Community Wealth Building has been published. The report presents international examples of community wealth building and considers what lessons can be learned for a rural and islands context in Scotland
In the second edition of our Insights Series, Dr. Carey Doyle draws on her expertise in town planning and community owned land initiatives across Scotland.
A win for enterprise, community and wellbeing. SRUC and SAC researchers Ian Merrell and Anna Sellars conclude a research project about rural remote working hubs and coworking spaces.