About the Scottish Rural Network
The Scottish Rural Network (SRN) encourages rural development by sharing information, ideas and good practice. We work with, and for, anyone who lives, works or has an interest in rural Scotland.
Our Goals
The aims of the Scottish Rural Network are to:
Support and facilitate people from rural and island communities, businesses and the wider public to take part in policy developments that affect them. This has included the development and delivery of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill, Rural Support Plan, National Islands Plan Refresh and the Rural Delivery Plan.
Help improve the development and delivery of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), its replacement and wider agri and forestry schemes including e.g. the National Test Programme and the Agricultural Reform Programme, Community Led Local Development and the Just Transition Plan.
Inform farmers, rural businesses and communities about wider policy and funding opportunities relevant to rural and island communities
Encourage innovation in agriculture, food production, forestry and rural and island areas and communities
Keep up-to-date with our news
Sign up for our newsletter to:
- Get a weekly round-up of rural news direct to your inbox
- Find out about funding opportunities
- Discover inspiring and innovative projects
- Connect with other people, businesses and community groups
If you have information you’d like us to share through our website and newsletter, please contact us.
Meet the Team
The Scottish Rural Network is supported by a small team in the Scottish Government called the Network Support Unit. Find out more about the members of the team and their roles below.
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Alan Robertson
Scottish Rural Network Manager
I have worked in the Scottish Government (SG) since 2009, starting in the agency Disclosure Scotland and then moving into core SG. I worked across Justice and Public Health Directorates (“Diet” Officer if you can believe that) until obtaining my current post as Network Manager within the Scottish Rural Network.
Prior to joining Scottish Government, I worked in the public and the private sector within a variety of roles.
In my free time I like exploring the Perthshire countryside (where I live), buying and listening to music (much to my wife’s annoyance) and seeking the perfect pint of IPA.
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Roderick Low
Development Officer
Help improve the development and delivery of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and wider agri and forestry schemes including e.g. the National Test Programme and the Agricultural Reform Programme, Community Led Local Development and the Just Transition Plan.
Before joining Scottish Rural Network, I have worked in Agriculture Rural Economy Division of Scottish Government for over a decade covering a range of roles – from rural policy to agricultural inspections and payments. Having studied Land Economy at the university of Aberdeen.
Out with the day job I have a small hill farm in Fife which primarily focuses on a sheep enterprise and woodland management. My father was an agronomist and grandfather a vet, so an interest in rural has always been par for the course.
If I find the time I hope to brush up on the pipes!
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Susan Thomson
Project Officer
I studied Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Stirling and graduated in 2018 before joining the Scottish Government the following year, with Social Security Scotland. In 2022, I joined the Scottish Rural Network (SRN), blending my career with my love of rural living.
Each house move has taken me to more rural locations, and now I live with my family in the Western Isles. We’re joined by a big dog and a cat who might just hold the title for the world’s greediest!
Rural networks across the UK and Europe
The Scottish Rural Network is part of a wider network of National Rural Networks across the UK.
Visit the EU CAP Network for information on what’s happening across rural Europe, resources for rural development, as well as opportunities to connect with others.
