Stage 3: Fieldwork
The Stage 3 fieldwork is being led by UHI Perth, with Impact Hub Inverness, Science Ceilidh and Scotland's Rural College.
We will collect data through six linked work packages to develop an informed understanding of experiences of Community Led Local Development, Scottish Rural Network, and Scottish Rural Action, and develop future options and practical recommendations
Our approach is informed by the need to:
- test the Theories of Change to ask a range of stakeholders if the intended impacts are being realised (and if not, why not),
- to examine the strategic fit of these programmes within the wider policy, intervention and funding landscape,
- be inclusive and accessible,
- minimise participant burden through co-constructing research design and delivery, and
- be practical and future-focused with fresh and innovative evidence-based options and recommendations.
There will be a range of opportunities to get involved over 2025, according to the research stages below. We are highlighting key ways to participate on our participation page--- if you're looking for open surveys and ongoing fieldwork, have a look here.
Fieldwork stages:
- Interviews and surveys for individuals and organisations who have engaged with Community Led Local Development. This will include four surveys: 1) Community Led Local Development Coordinators, 2) Local Action Group chairs and members, 3) funding applicants, and 4) interested individuals not otherwise involved. There will also be interviews and workshops on specific topics.
- Interviews and a survey for individuals and organisations who have engaged with Scottish Rural Action and Scottish Rural Network. There will be a survey for those involved with Scottish Rural Action, and one for Scottish Rural Network.
- Place-based research with six rural communities. Regional Local Action Group areas have been selected through a number of different criteria, including geographical location and governance arrangements. The research team have held online workshops over April 2025 to share their planned approach and ask for people’s views on what they should focus on in each place.
- Interviews or a workshop focusing on monitoring and evaluation.
- Engagement with wider stakeholders, picking up on any key points not addressed through the previous stages.
Research methods will include interviews, surveys, focus groups, and community researchers, and we may refine our approach to ensure we get a wide range of perspectives.
If you have questions, or want to contacted when a particular aspect of the work starts, let us know. You can contact the principle investigator Jane Atterton. jane.atterton@sruc.ac.uk
