The Longannet Experience Rural/economic development for local community activists and local democracy The Longannet Experience September 2017

The Context The context is one where Scottish Government Expressed its commitment to supporting rural life, rural communities and the rural economy 'Mainstreamed' the needs of rural Scotland within all of its policies Scotland's Rural Parliament Development of Local Development Strategies through LEADER Scottish Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 Enhancing the rural economy Supporting agricultural and forestry businesses Protecting and improving the natural environment Addressing the impact of climate change Supporting rural communities Carnegie Charter for Rural Communities advocating for ‘dynamic, engaged, vibrant, sustainable rural communities’. The Charter Had ten interrelated characteristics; Optimising assets Achieving fairness for everyone Empowering local governance Increasing financial resources for community benefit Enjoying locally relevant services Enriching social capital and well-being Valuing local distinctiveness: Developing reliable infrastructure Enhancing environmental capacity Supporting a dynamic local economy

CRT’s Work Coalfield Communities Coalfields Community Futures Coalfields Regeneration Trust (community agent) Coalfields Community Action Coalfields Enterprise and Training Coalfields Area Based Initiatives The core of the CRT Strategy for Scotland is to build on our success by encouraging use of local resources in a way that enhances economic opportunities while improving social conditions in a sustainable way. Our overarching priority is to develop community capacity; everything that we do is about supporting coalfield communities Coalfield Communities There are 89 Coalfield communities supported by CRT Scotland. Across 13 community planning partnerships. Coalfields Community Futures Local action plans created and devised by the communities. 33 complete with 7 pending. Participatory budget attached to each community. Coalfields Enterprise and Training We aims to stimulate community enterprise and grow the social investment market in coalfield communities. Key priorities and an action plan responsive to their needs Help community organisations to become more enterprising. Provide and broker the resources and services that are currently not available. Coalfields Area Initiative The closure of Longannet Power Station kick started the area based model. Work with the community organisations locally to rebuild community and capacity. 7 Futures anchor communities (12 total)

If rural communities are to engage effectively within this context and take best advantage of recent policy developments including land reform (e.g. Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016) and community empowerment and stronger local democratic and governance structures (e.g. Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015) then the characteristics which underpin our approach and the enabling factors driving it;   growing the capacity of local people, agencies and professionals that support rural communities enhancing community assets through building capital increasing the scope and quality of local community planning are particularly relevant.

Thank you Gary Porter Alex Downie

WHERE WE ARE www.coalfields-regen.org.uk ENGLAND SCOTLAND WALES 1 Waterside Park, Valley Way, Wombwell, Barnsley S73 0BB Tel: 01226 270800 Email: england@coalfields-regen.org.uk Twitter: @CoalfieldsRegen SCOTLAND The e-Centre, Cooperage Way Business Centre, Cooperage Way, Alloa FK10 3LP Tel: 01259 272127 Email: scotlandinfo@coalfields-regen.org.uk Twitter: @CRTScotland WALES Part Unit 3 – Maritime Office Woodland Terrace, Maes-y-Coed, Pontypridd CF37 1DZ Tel: 01259 272127 Email: wales@coalfields-regen.org.uk Twitter: @CRTwales www.coalfields-regen.org.uk The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is a Charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1074930), a Charity registered in Scotland (No. SCO39277) and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales (No.3738566).