Rural Communities Policy Review: research and findings
Research and analysis from a review of Community Led Local Development, the Scottish Rural Network and Scottish Rural Action.
Introduction
The Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review (2024 to 2026) is an independent study commissioned by the Scottish Government and led by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) in partnership with Ipsos and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
The review explores the roles and impacts of the Scottish Rural Network, Scottish Rural Action and Community Led Local Development, structured across four stages: theories of change, evidence review, fieldwork and final reporting. Findings will inform future rural community policy.
This collection brings together all published outputs from the review
Theories of change
The first stage of the project developed four theory of change models: one for each element and an overarching theory of change.
Evidence review
The second stage of the project explored recent, current and future policy and delivery context for rural and island community funding and support.
International case studies
International case studies setting out relevant national rural context and its development over time.
Research findings
A report describing findings from research with rural and island stakeholders to review Scottish Rural Network, Scottish Rural Action and Community Led Local Development.
Community case studies
Six place-based case studies present findings from research with rural and island communities, alongside a separate case study focusing on young people aged 18 to 30 living or working in rural and island Scotland.
- Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: East Borders case study
- Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: East Moray case study
- Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: Harris and Scalpay case study
- Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: Lochalsh and South Skye case study
- Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: Orkney case study
- Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: West Lothian case study
- Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: Youth case study
Monitoring and evaluation
This report reviews monitoring and evaluation approaches and tools applicable to rural community development initiatives.
Recommendations
The report brings together the evidence collected during the project and provides recommendations for future support for rural communities.