New report suggests “shared vision” for rural Scotland
Scotland’s rural communities need a “more coherent and integrated” support system, according to a new report.
Published today, the final Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review report provides recommendations for the future support of rural communities.
SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre, which led the review on behalf of the Scottish Government with a number of other partners, suggests stronger mechanisms will ensure that rural voices help to meaningfully shape decisions.
The Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review examined support delivered through the Scottish Rural Network, Scottish Rural Action and Community Led Local Development.
While it found that, collectively, these mechanisms “enhance rural capacity, enable innovation and support more responsive, place-based decision-making”, it suggests that they should “operate as complementary components with clearly defined and mutually reinforcing roles”. The review also highlights the complexity of community funds across local authorities, Scottish and UK contexts.
Dr Jane Atterton, who led the review, said: “We gathered evidence for this research from communities across rural and island Scotland, as well as a range of stakeholders and policymakers. Collectively we heard the need to more clearly articulate the ways in which Scottish Rural Network, Scottish Rural Action and Community Led Local Development interact and strengthen one another.
“We also found that these important roles could be strengthened even further by having a shared vision for rural Scotland, improving cross-government working, and moving towards longer-term funding models which help to build capacity.”
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “We welcome the findings of this independent review which will help inform future policy and support for rural communities. It demonstrates the importance of community-led approaches and the positive impact that the Community-Led Local Development programme (CLLD), Scottish Rural Network (SRN) and Scottish Rural Action (SRA) have had in supporting rural and island communities.
“We have worked with Local Action Groups to invest £55 million in more than 1,300 community-led projects since 2022 and we will use this valuable feedback as we consider priorities for rural policy in this parliament, including how we take forward our commitment to a Rural Renewal Bill and accompanying policy measures. I would like to thank the research team, Research Advisory Group and everyone who participated in the review.”
To read all outputs from the review visit the Scottish Government website.
This work was led by SRUC, working with Ipsos, University of Highlands and Islands, Science Ceilidh, Impact Hub Inverness, SAC Consulting, Rurali Ltd, Professor Mark Shucksmith (Emeritus Professor Newcastle University), Grounded Insight and Rose Regeneration.
A panel session focused on the report’s findings will be held at the SRUC stand at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday 18 June from 9:30-10:30am.
Posted by SRUC on 17/06/2026
