Case Study Library
Further inspiration can be found on wide range of rural and island stakeholder websites. We have collated links to websites so you have a one stop shop for inspiration!
We have also produced a handy guide for groups and organisations to produce their own case studies.
The guide is for grassroots community groups who have been delivering projects in their local area, and who want to create a case study to help tell the story of their work.
You can access the guide at Telling your story through case studies


NatureScot offer an array of inspiring case studies on NatureScot – YouTube
Some highlights include:
- NatureScot Peatland ACTION case studies
- NatureScot Restoration Fund Project Showcase
- NatureScot Wildlife Management
Scottish Government agency responsible for forestry policy provide case studies that showcase how crucial a role trees have to play in tackling climate change and nature loss, supporting the economy and the people of Scotland’s wellbeing.
Historic Environment Scotland, the lead public body set up to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment provides fine examples of historic assets being revitalised;
The Rural Exchange provides an exciting new platform for people living and working across Scotland’s rural and island communities to have their voices heard in both research and policy-making and to access pertinent research reports and data.
Case Studies of Scotland Pilots

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) which is funded by the Scottish Government, providing information and resources aimed at increasing the profitability and sustainability of farms and crofts.
Grant support, a full programme of events and a range of articles, videos and publications form the core of this service which is designed to provide integrated advice for farmers and crofters across Scotland.
Be inspired by Local Energy Scotland’s selection of projects and case studies that feature useful hints and details on projects undertaken. CARES looks to support innovation in Scotland’s renewable energy industry and to encourage learning by example.
Case studies · Local Energy Scotland

The Scottish Land Commission is a non-departmental public body established on 1 April 2017.
The Commission has five Land Commissioners and one Tenant Farming Commissioner, all appointed by Scottish Ministers.
Land matters because we all use and need it. The way we own and use land influences many parts of our lives: the price and availability of housing, our access to greenspace, effects of derelict sites in the heart of our communities, our ability to meet our climate targets, and whether people have the means and confidence to build businesses and communities.
A range of case studies relevant to Land use can be found on;

Scottish Rural Action has existed as a Company Ltd by Guarantee (SC461352) since 2013 and as a Scottish Charity (SC048086) since 2018.
The SRA vision is for vibrant and connected rural and island communities which have control over their future, and which contribute to building a society that is inclusive, just and sustainable.
Case Studies | Scottish Rural Action

Community Land Scotland was established to provide a collective voice for community landowners in Scotland.
It has 140 member organisations across Scotland, ranging from community landowners of major crofting estates in the Western Isles to inner city community hubs in diverse communities.
Case Studies – Community Land Scotland
SLE vision is to make a prosperous and sustainable future for rural Scotland, delivering benefits for all. SLE do this by championing and supporting rural businesses that provide economic, social and environmental benefit to the countryside.
From campsites to community owners to country estates, SLE members represent a diverse community passionate in promoting rural Scotland;
Helping It Happen Case Studies | Scottish Land & Estates

UHI is an integrated university combining further and higher education — the only institution of its kind in Scotland, and one of few in Europe.
The university interacts with various agencies, communities and companies across the Highlands and Islands and globally. These case studies are a selection of some of our recent interactions that show the level of local and international collaboration, the real world impacts of our research and gives an idea of the breadth of expertise across our research centres.
Research – Project Case Studies

The Rural Social Enterprise Hub work was launched in 2019 with support from the Scottish Government with the key objectives to:
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Develop peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange opportunities both nationally and internationally
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Provide a digital platform for, networking, peer-to-peer learning, case studies, learning materials and events.
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Build understanding and knowledge of rural social enterprise and the unique characteristics that allow rural areas to develop enterprising solutions to the challenges they face.
SEFARI Gateway is Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for knowledge exchange and innovation. Experts in knowledge exchange for the Scottish Government’s Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Portfolio. Providing bespoke access to the Portfolio’s research, expertise, and analysis to ensure scientific evidence helps inform the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland.

Want to know more about how South of Scotland Enterprise is helping businesses and communities across the South? Read on for inspiring case studies and success stories from around the region.
Established in early 2018 by communications and marketing professionals Jane Craigie and Rebecca Dawes, this research-based project aims to develop feasible strategies to facilitate the involvement of young people in agricultural and rural activity by better understanding their current situation, aspirations, opportunities and challenges.
Case Studies – Rural Youth Project

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, established in 2002, is Scotland’s first national park, renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities.

SCOTO is a network of community tourism enterprises located throughout Scotland and led by a team of dynamic indviduals who each have extensive and varied experience in community tourism.
SCOTO | Regenerative Community Tourism Case Studies
Scotland’s national economic development agency. Scottish Enterprise (SE) help ambitious businesses to innovate and scale.
Using their global reach and networks, SE attract inward investment and enable Scottish companies to export and enter new markets.
Case studies | Scottish Enterprise

Case studies – Skills Development Scotland

Case Studies – Inspiring Scotland
Highlands & Islands Enterprise Knowledge Library features case studies about who we work with, the impact our support has, and how organisations across our region are developing. You can also search our webinars, videos and podcasts for training hints and tips or to find out more about our region.

Small selection of exciting community-led housing projects undertaken by the Communities Housing Trust (CHT) on behalf of communities across Scotland.
Case Studies – Communities Housing Trust

Home Energy Scotland help people and organisations across Scotland to save energy and money, and reduce carbon emissions to tackle the climate emergency.
News and case studies | Home Energy Scotland

A network of groups living and working in island communities, and together, amplifying the voices of young islanders to be heard in Government and beyond.

Case Studies | Improvement Service

Visitor Economy Case Studies I VisitScotland.org
Discover how tourism businesses across Scotland help support and sustain the local visitor economy.
Case Studies | Foundation Scotland
Read about some of the wonderful projects Foundation Scotland’s generous donors have funded, and stories about the difference their funding has made.