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International Case Studies Published for Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review
Global insights inform Scotland’s evolving rural policy, drawing lessons from England, Ireland, Finland, and Canada.
Scotland’s ambitious review of rural community support has reached a key milestone with the publication of international case studies offering insights from England, Canada, Finland, and Ireland.
These studies form part of the Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review, a multi-stage research initiative commissioned by the Scottish Government to inform future policy under the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024.
The newly released case studies explore how rural development programmes operate in other countries, highlighting best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches. These insights are expected to enrich Scotland’s evolving support system for rural communities, particularly in relation to:
- Community Led Local Development (CLLD)
- Scottish Rural Action (SRA)
- Scottish Rural Network (SRN)
You can view the international case studies here:
The international evidence complements domestic research and will help shape recommendations for a more effective, inclusive, and resilient rural policy framework.
Led by SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre in partnership with UHI Perth and Ipsos, the review is structured across four stages:
- Theory of Change – Mapping how current programmes deliver outcomes
- Evidence Review – Including the newly published international case studies
- Fieldwork – Engaging directly with communities and stakeholders
- Reporting– Delivering actionable recommendations in late 2025
The project is designed to be creative, equitable, and ethical, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and innovation. It aims to understand not just what works, but how and why rural interventions succeed or struggle.
Fieldwork continues through autumn 2025, with emerging results expected later this year. The final report will guide the development of Scotland’s new rural support system, ensuring it reflects both local needs and global learning.
More information and other project outputs are available on the Rural Exchange website .
