Rural Leadership Programme 2019-20

Are you an ambitious farmer, rural business owner, manager or employee involved in running or managing a small to medium-sized business in Scotland? If so, the Rural Leadership Programme could be for you.

Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have joined forces to fund this unique and challenging programme for business managers and employees from rural businesses with a desire to develop their skills and grow their business. You'll be joining a network of over 550 graduates, including farmers, vets, estate managers, tourism managers, and managers from processing and supply businesses.

The bulk of the costs are covered by Scottish Enterprise and HIE, with participant fees set at £900 +VAT - described by many programme graduates as “the best money we have ever spent."

Recognising the potential barrier to participation in the programme for island-based applicants, HIE will reimburse the full costs of the best value and most efficient ferries or flights to the mainland, for successful HIE-based participants.

The 2019-20 Programme is now open to register your interest. Contact Aileen Carr at programme delivery partner and facilitator SAC Consulting: aileen.carr@sac.co.uk or call 01307 464033

Applications must be submitted by Friday 30 August 2019.

A series of information evenings have been set up to give you a chance to find out more about the programme, meet the facilitators and coaches, and hear how Programme graduates have benefited from the experience:

• Wednesday 26 June, 7.30pm, Carfraemill Hotel, Borders, TD26RA – 
• Wednesday 26 June, 7.30pm, John Niven Building, SAC Auchincruive, KA65HW 
• Thursday 27 June, 7.30pm, Highland Farm Cafe, Mountgerald, Dingwall IV15 9TT 
• Tuesday 2 July, 7.30pm, Gloagburn Farm Shop, near Perth, PH11QL 
• Thursday 4 July, 2.00pm, Thainstone Centre, near Inverurie, AB515GT 
• Webinars – to be announced