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SAC Researcher on Judging Panel of LEADER Dumfries & Galloway Rural Awards

SAC’s Dr Sarah Skerratt is one of five independent experts forming the judging panel of the high profile LEADER Dumfries & Galloway Rural Awards.

Dr Skerratt, a senior researcher and Team Leader of Rural Society Research within SAC’s Land Economy and Environment Research Group, is drawing upon more than 20 years of experience of working in rural community development to judge entries to the awards.

The awards comprise five categories reflecting the Scottish Government’s core objectives: Wealthier and Fairer; Greener; Healthier; Safer and Stronger; and Greener. The judges have already agreed upon a shortlist of three finalists in each of the five categories. The overall winners of each category will be announced at the awards ceremony on 12th November 2010 at the Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries.

Dr Skerratt, who is the judge for entries in the ‘Healthier Scotland’ category said: “I am looking for evidence that the projects are helping to build capacity at a local level and that they are multi-generational, innovative, inclusive and are planning for the future. I have visited each of the three projects to be shortlisted in the ‘Healthier Scotland’ category - Cally Boundaries, Moorland Education Project and The Original Bicycle Festival - and have been wholeheartedly impressed, making picking an overall winner a real challenge.”

All 15 of the shortlisted projects will appear in a Good Practice Guide as examples of best practice projects supported by the LEADER programme which since 2008 has invested more than £1.5 million in projects reaching 44 communities across Dumfries & Galloway.

Further information about the awards.

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