The Scottish Government has published the findings of its Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review, a major piece of research examining three key areas of support for rural and island communities in Scotland: the Scottish Rural Network, Scottish Rural Action, and the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme.

Commissioned to inform future arrangements for supporting rural communities, the review drew on evidence from nearly 300 participants across rural and island Scotland, including community case studies in six Local Action Group areas, surveys with stakeholders, and strategic interviews with those involved in policy delivery and community development. gov.scot

The overall evidence suggests that all three initiatives have delivered against their aims and that there is strong backing for the support they provide gov.scot, from funding community-led projects and sharing learning, to raising the profile of rural issues in government and influencing policy.

The Scottish Government has committed over £44 million to the CLLD programme since 2021. gov.scot The review highlights both the strengths of the current system and areas where improvements could be made, including calls for greater transparency, more revenue funding, and a more proactive approach to championing the rural voice.

The full report is also available on the Scottish Government website and is essential reading for anyone working in or alongside rural communities in Scotland.