Stage 3: Fieldwork
The Stage 3 fieldwork was led by UHI Perth, with Impact Hub Inverness, Science Ceilidh and Scotland's Rural College.
We collected 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 to develop future options and practical recommendations
Our approach was 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 were a range of opportunities to get involved over 2025, according to the research stages below. Opportunities to participate are now closed.
Fieldwork stages:
- Interviews and surveys for individuals and organisations who have engaged with Community Led Local Development. This included 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 were also 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 was e 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 were selected through a number of different criteria, including geographical location and governance arrangements. The research team 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. The areas selected were Highlands, Moray, Borders, Outer Hebrides, West Lothian and Orkney.
- Work targeted at young people, including youth Local Action Groups. This included a survey for young people, and three case studies: Forth Valley and Lomond, Cairngorms and Borders.
- 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 included interviews, surveys, focus groups, and community researchers.
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
