Rural development policy and community data needs in Scotland

The objectives of Scottish rural development policy are moving towards economic, social and environmental sustainability, promoted through local community empowerment. The new challenges raised and future data needs were considered using three scenarios. Workshop discussions was held with participants from all levels of rural development. The possible re-orientation of data availability and provision were investigated. The need for accessible and appropriate forms of data to lift current constraints on rural community empowerment and participation in local development, and to support rural communities' decision-making and strategic planning were highlighted. Issues of ownership, confidentiality, access, quality, consistency and funding were raised, alongside communities' training and education needs in information handling and interpretation. The implications for participatory rural development via community data infrastructure provision are discussed.