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Moving from vision to action!
Shaping the future of Scotland’s new community-led local development (CLLD) network is continuing apace. Dinah Jackson of Urban Foresight reflects on the progress made and next steps
Scotland’s new community-led local development (CLLD) network is taking shape. Local Action Groups (LAGs), Youth LAGs, and policy stakeholders met in Glasgow on 4–5 November to move from early ideas to clear next steps.
The workshop brought together people from across rural and island Scotland to agree how a national network might benefit the sector and give thought to how it should operate.
Why it matters
Participants confirmed that a national network is essential to strengthen Scotland’s rural and island voice, coordinate activity, and support consistent standards while respecting local autonomy. The shared ambition is a network built on CLLD values: local knowledge, partnership, and practical action.
Common priorities emerged across six breakout sessions:
- clearer communication within and across LAGs
- transparency and inclusion in decision-making
- long-term planning rather than year-to-year cycles
- space to share learning and strengthen relationships.
LAGs and Youth LAGs also highlighted ongoing challenges, including short-term funding and limited capacity. The new network will help address these pressures by creating a more joined-up and supportive environment.
What happens next?
The workshop agreed six practical steps to guide development of the network over the coming months:
- Develop an agreed vision, objectives, and guiding principles
- Agree the network’s identify including name and branding
- Produce a communications plan to support coordination, knowledge exchange, and shared messages
- Establish an appropriate governance approach and supporting structures
- Set out the network’s approach to international engagement and learning
- Prepare an outline capacity-building programme for LAGs and Youth LAGs.
With backing from LAGs across Scotland, the Steering Group will now take these actions forward. The aim is to create a credible, sustainable network that strengthens advocacy, supports local delivery, and builds the conditions for long-term CLLD success.
How we might fund network operations will be consulted on with the network early in 2026, with support sought for continued network development in the new year.
A full workshop report, prepared by Urban Foresight and is available to view here
