Scottish National Rural Network
Norman MacAskillHead of Rural Policy, SCVO
Norette FernsScottish National Rural NetworkWebsite Editor
Mission of the Scottish National Rural Network
o The Scottish National Rural Network aims to connect rural Scotland in all its diversity to promote economic growth and community development
What are its aims?
o To meet EU obligationso Encourage connectivityo Help with the exchange
of good practiceo Ensure the ‘trickle up’
of key messageso Support rural
developmento Enhance Scotland’s
rural reputation
What is the Scottish National Rural Network?
o National Rural Gathering evento Rural Co-ordination Serviceo Website – www.ruralgateway.org.uk
Rural Gathering
o 25 September 2009 in Perth Racecourseo Around 300 delegates from all parts of Rural
Scotlando Networking breakfast with Ministerso 8 workshop topicso 3 case study presentations
Regional Co-ordination Service
o Deliver an annual planned programme of regional events in the 20 LEADER funding areas
o Promote network activity locally and between LEADER & Rural Priorities groups
o Engage the wider stakeholder communityo Ensure the use of the website is promoted
locallyo Assist LEADER and Rural Priorities groups to
identify and carry out national and transnational learning and development
Regional Events
o Fantastic opportunity to network and make new connections
o Provide information updates to help with project planning and future developments
o Highlight local and wider examples of best practice – sharing experiences and providing food for thought
o Extended networking through facilitated discussion….
o Discussion session helps uncover local strengths and feeds into the building National picture of Rural Scotland in action
Regional Events – follow up
o Story on Scottish National Rural Network website with relevant links (project, funding etc)
o Copies of presentationso Video and photographs of key parts of event
posted on websiteo Discussion threads on website forum, based on
discussion topics at evento Email newslettero Co-ordinator’s Blog
What are its aims?
It allows people to:o Discuss rural issueso Find help and adviceo Access information
about support and grants available
o Hear the latest rural updates from across Scotland
o Make links to other areas
Get informed
o News – everything from farming to funding
o Eventso Bulletin Board
announcementso Documents –
reports, briefings etc
Get involvedo Comment on articleso Submit newso Become a regular
contributoro Upload events to the
calendaro Send links to videos, blogs
etco Make announcement on
Bulletin Boardo Follow us on Twitter -
@SNRNwebsite
Get inspired
o Featured Projects case studies
o Projects Database – search by area, keyword and theme
o Your Enterprise – rural businesses share their stories
Weekly newsletter
“I always find something in your newsletters that grabs me and keeps my optimism level more than half full, and it is a great way to keep connected.”
"In the fast moving political and funding landscape for rural community development, the weekly newsletter provides a beacon of shared opportunities.“
"The weekly newsletter is of such great value for everyone involved in rural development".
What’s on the site now?
o Case study from D&G Cricket Development Group
o Details of all regional events
o UK National Rural Network conference
o Delivery and carriage costs forum
o Special report from Finnish National Rural Network
o Tom Kitchin recipe
Further Information
o Contact: Beverley Macleano Telephone: 01463 251 723o Email: [email protected]
o Contact: Norette Fernso Telephone: 01463 251 733o Email: [email protected] Website: www.ruralgateway.org.uk