Rural policy events

We organise virtual and in-person events to discuss rural topics, highlight rural policy issues and facilitate connections amongst stakeholders. We welcome any collaborations and suggestions for future events.

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Cross-party group on rural policy

The Rural Policy Centre provides the Secretariat for the quarterly Cross-party group (CPG) on Rural Policy in the Scottish Parliament. The purpose of this group is to inform MSPs and the wider Scottish Parliament about issues impacting on rural policies in Scotland.

Below you can find out about some of the topics that have been covered this session and watch the recording of the most recent meeting.

Email us at rpc@sruc.ac.uk to join the mailing list for information about attending future meetings or share any issues you would like the group to cover.

CPG session downloads

The future of food and drink in changing policy context (26 September 2023)
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Nature Based Solutions in Agriculture (6 June 2023)
The recording for this meeting is unavailable. Detailed minutes have been provided in lieu.
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Download the speakers' slides and notes

Shifting the Narrative (23 January 2023)
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Download the speakers’ slides

Keeping Food Local (16 November 2022)
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Download the presentation by Professor David Marshall, University of Edinburgh
Download the presentation by Denise Waltom, Owner, Peelham Farm
Download the presentation by Sarah MacLean, Founder and Manager, Bùth Bharraigh
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Doing More With Less (7 June 2022)
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Supporting Scotland’s Young Rural Entrepreneurs (8 March 2022)
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Download the slides to Emily Armstrong's story
Download the slides to Rachel Parker's presentation

Sustainable Rural Tourism in a Post-Pandemic Scotland (7 December 2021)
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Scotland’s Climate Assembly (5 October 2021)
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Edinburgh Agricultural Economics Discussion Circle

Prior to the pandemic we organised a monthly meeting of the Edinburgh Agricultural Economics Discussion Circle (EAEDC). The group met up in the centre of Edinburgh during the winter months to discuss a wide range of topics around agriculture and rural development.

We hope to relaunch this group soon. If you wish to speak at an event, have a suggestion for a topic of discussion, or are simply interested in attending, please email us at rpc@sruc.ac.uk.

Islands Webinar Series

This webinar series brought together researchers, policymakers and practitioners from across the globe to exchange experiences and information.

The series provided opportunities for Scotland to learn from other islanders’ experience and knowledge during a period where the Scottish Government was developing The National Islands Plan, which was published in 2019.

You can find information and recordings of our previous webinars on our PURE platform.