Research Challenge

Reconciling global, national and local influences on Scotland, while ensuring economic growth, social justice, and protection of its natural and cultural heritage, represents a significant challenge over coming decades (Scottish Government, 2000).

Research Issues

A new programme of research aims at an enhanced understanding of the main social, economic and biophysical processes involved in land-use change in Scotland, and how these interact with each other. The objectives are to evaluate:

1. the interactions between climate change, landscapes and rural communities;
2. key land management strategies that promote biodiversity and landscape conservation while maintaining economic, environmental and social sustainability.

This research is funded by the Scottish Government, and runs from April 2006 to March 2011.

Click here for information on the aims and background and components of the research.

Reference

Scottish Government, 2000. Rural Scotland: A New Approach. Scottish Government, Edinburgh, Scotland. 61 pp.