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Congratulations to Scotland’s Newest Rural Leaders

Rural Scotland has 41 new potential leaders following the completion of this year’s Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme. Once again the programme was delivered by SAC staff who facilitated for three groups. They were based in the west around SAC’s Auchincruive campus, in the north at Craibstone, Aberdeen, with the east group using SAC’s Kings Buildings HQ in Edinburgh.

The group received their official certificates from Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Lena Wilson at a special ceremony at Hopetoun House. The ceremony marked the end of a busy period for already busy people who had grasped the opportunity offered to improve their life and leadership skills.

The Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme was established in 2006 with the aim of enhancing business performance by developing rural knowledge and political awareness to improve the professionalism of rural Scotland at all levels. The latest, diverse, group included farmers, auctioneers, a meat processor, banker, vet and solicitor. There was also a project manager, two environmental consultants and the General Manager of an equine charity.

For the participants a particular attraction of the programme is the way it brings together like-minded people with a rural focus.

Simon Craufurd, who is the Director of Craufurdland Estate near Fenwick in Ayrshire said,

"The Rural Leadership Programme has been an incredible journey, on which I have learnt a huge amount about myself, my business, the rural sector and the political influencers. Above all I made some great friends and contacts. Overall it was a brilliant experience!"

Over six months the groups had eleven days of meetings and events, delivered as rural knowledge workshops or residential modules. In addition to three individual coaching sessions there was media awareness training and leadership development including action planning for specific areas of individual businesses.

A regular course highlight are the series of extended visits to the Scottish Parliament, Westminster and Brussels. They meet MEP’s, MSP’s, MP’s Members of the House of Lords in addition to officials, lobbyists and representatives of rural organisations. Through it they gain a deeper understanding of the political process and how to influence it.

Speaking at the award ceremony Julian Pace, Rural Director at Scottish Enterprise congratulated the successful participants on their achievements,

“Economies need leaders with a global mindset equipped with the confidence and tools to navigate the challenges ahead. Those who can inspire and motivate their people to remain committed and who continually innovate and perform to the best of their abilities. Those are the leaders that will help Scotland reach its true potential”.

“However, this is just the start of their leadership journey. I urge them to continue to seek improvements in leading their organisations and focus on their vision for growth.”

Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism also attended the ceremony to praise the participants for their commitment to shaping Scotland’s rural economy. He said:

“The Scottish Government is firmly committed to supporting rural Scotland to grow its vital economic contribution and helping businesses to embrace the growth opportunities that exist in our rural communities”.

The SAC facilitators were Douglas Bell, Kev Bevan and Alistair Laing.

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