Blogs

Access to digital technology can support ongoing communication between people in rural communities and embed the value of virtual tools in the longer-term

3. Addressing the Challenges from Coronavirus: Insights from recent research

With contributions from: Dominic Duckett, Mags Currie, Carla Barlagne, Claire Hardy, Leanne Townsend, Sharon Flanigan, Ruth Wilson, Jon Hopkins, and Annabel Pinker.

During this period of global crisis, many of us are concerned about the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on rural Scotland. In our first post, we considered the key factors that underpin community resilience. In the second, we explored the virus’ potential impact on aspects of Scottish agriculture.

Here, we focus on the how the virus outbreak may open up opportunities and instigate advances in technology that could lead to positive changes in rural Scotland. What do we know already from our social science experience? How can this knowledge help rural communities and policy makers respond?

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are the views of the author(s), and not an official position of the institute or funder.

Peer-to-peer learning opportunities for Scottish agriculture support individuals and businesses to innovate and overcome economic challenges

2. The impact on agriculture

With contributions from: Dominic Duckett, Mags Currie, Carla Barlagne, Claire Hardy, Leanne Townsend, Sharon Flanigan, Ruth Wilson, Jon Hopkins, and Annabel Pinker.

During this period of global crisis, many of us are concerned about the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on rural Scotland. In this second in a series of blog posts (please see the previous post on community resilience and social innovation here) on the issue, we consider the impact of the virus on aspects of the social systems in agriculture, land and food supply. What do we know already from our social science experience? How can this knowledge help farmers, rural businesses, communities, and policy makers respond?

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are the views of the author(s), and not an official position of the institute or funder.

Research shows that positive social capital and social innovation supports community resilience in periods of crisis and change.

1. Community resilience and social innovation

With contributions from: Dominic Duckett, Mags Currie, Carla Barlagne, Claire Hardy, Leanne Townsend, Sharon Flanigan, Ruth Wilson, Jon Hopkins, Annabel Pinker.

As a group, we spend much of our time undertaking social research in rural communities and with land managers across Scotland, and internationally. We get to know people and community groups, and follow their progress with interest. During this period of global crisis, many of us are concerned about the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak ('Coronavirus') on rural Scotland. In this series of blog posts, we share some of our social science experience to consider how rural Scotland can and might respond to the Coronavirus crisis. We consider first the key factors that underpin community resilience, followed by the impact on aspects of Scottish agriculture, and the potential for positive change post-virus. We include the full references to the research reports and papers mentioned at the end of each post and would be happy to send free to access versions to anyone who wishes to read them. Please email the authors directly through the hyperlinks provided.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are the views of the author(s), and not an official position of the institute or funder.

Coordinated by Rachel Helliwell, Manager, Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW)

Thought-provoking and action-orientated ‘Spark’ talks took place during a short session at the Scotland Flood Risk Management Conference (30-31^st January 2020) at the Technology & Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. The punchy 5-minute talks addressed state of the art research on managing flood risk in the context of the climate emergency followed by lively discussion.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are the views of the author(s), and not an official position of the institute or funder.

An image (taken 14 years ago) of the first commercial wind turbines to be erected on the Isle of Lewis, near Griomsidar. There are now more turbines in this area. Photo © Stephen Branley (cc-by-sa/2.0)

It is widely accepted that we are in the midst of an energy revolution, transitioning from carbon-based fuels to renewable and increasingly decentralised forms of energy production. But does this entail a new politics as well? How do new renewable energy schemes reconfigure existing arrangements of power, technology, infrastructure, expertise and everyday life, and what sorts of emergent politics do these changes imply?

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are the views of the author(s), and not an official position of the institute or funder.

"ScottishForest" by www.rubenholthuijsen.nl is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The natural capital concept is gaining traction in political and economic discourses in Scotland. For instance, Scotland’s Economic Strategy deems natural capital enhancement and ensuring sustainability as fundamental to a healthy and resilient economy. Some months ago, the Scottish Government published a regional set of natural capital accounts. These accounts intend to reflect the contribution of nature to relevant economic sectors and industries in Scotland, such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, water, mining, oil and gas or renewable energy. These accounts also include the natural capital contribution to society achieved by removing air pollutants, providing recreational opportunities and mitigating climate change. In this blog, I use recent natural capital developments in Scotland to promote the relevance of making the distribution of natural capital ownership (e.g. soil, water, ecosystem, energy and mineral resources) and the benefits these assets provide more explicit in natural capital metrics.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are the views of the author(s), and not an official position of the institute or funder.

Bushtail possum, a native of Australia is now an invasive species in New Zealand. Credit: Brisbane City Council.

Invasive species are increasing worldwide, and with them so is our understanding of how they damage native ecosystems. Control of invasive species is therefore becoming increasingly important for society, but comes at a high cost. Understanding the value of avoiding damage by invasive species, and of public support for controlling them, is therefore important for invasive species management.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are the views of the author(s), and not an official position of the institute or funder.