Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Leadership skills are key to growing Scotland's economy, say Scottish Enterprise. Their 2009/10 Rural Leadership Programme is currently underway, aiming to increase the professionalism of rural Scotland at all levels. The programme was established in 2006, and more than 160 participants have taken part since then.

The annual course features rural knowledge workshops, residential modules and group learning based on leadership development. Scottish Enterprise's fourth annual Rural Leadership Conference took place in Edinburgh recently. The conference recognised the achievements of 35 participants of the 2009/2010 programme and focused on the value of effective leadership in continuing to grow the rural economy.

Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Lena Martin addressed delegates. She said: "The Rural Leadership Programme is a unique and challenging programme that we've developed to help rural business managers develop as leaders. Working with us and our partners such as the Scottish Agricultural College, the aim is to enhance business performance through building life and leadership skills and therefore improving the professionalism of rural Scotland at all levels.

"We know from America and other countries that this approach is a success and the programme is making a difference. We're seeing the emergence of more profitable businesses and greater confidence about strategic diversification within the rural business community.

"Working in partnership with the public and private sectors, Scotland's rural leaders must continue to seek improvement in their approach to leadership to ensure that sustainable economic growth is shared across Scotland."

The 2009/10 programme is being run in partnership with the Scottish Agricultural College.

Rural Leadership Programme - 2009/10 participants

 North East Group

• Jonathan Dymock
• Peter Robertson
• Ewan Johnston
• James Spencer-Nairn
• Edward Smith
• Michael McLaren
• John Reid
• Fiona McPhail
• Julie Duncan
• Jennie Fredriksson
• Lorna Paterson

South East Group

• Andrew Mason
• Simon Phillips
• John Craig
• Bruce Hamilton
• James Hamilton
• George Purves
• Peter Beattie
• William Mitchell
• Rory Sandison
• Barry Watson
• Debbie Playfair-Hannay
• Laura Stewart
• Jennifer Leggate

South West Group

• Alistair Borthwick
• Gordon Muir
• Jay Crawford
• Colin Brotherton
• Matthew Stevenson
• Richard Oxley
• Scott Calderwood
• Christine Cuthbertson
• Sarah Baird
• Mary-Ann Smyth
• Kelly McIntyre