RURACTIVE
Empowering Rural Communities to Act for Change
About
The RURACTIVE project is a European project, funded by the European Commission and United Kingdom Research & Innovation, which aims to create better connected, prosperous, resilient and strong rural communities.
Together with our Scottish partner, the James Hutton Institute, and key stakeholders from across North-East Scotland, GrowBiz has developed a Local Action Plan for the region (known in the project as "Dynamo 4")
Our Local Action Plan includes 3 place-based "Solutions", which we are now implementing in the Dynamo region (see Solutions below). Implementation of the Solutions started on 1st July 2025 and ends in June 2027, during which time we will design, develop, launch and then monitor the impact of the Solutions in pilot areas.
RURACTIVE CONTACTS:
GrowBiz Scotland:
Graeme Low, Rural Innovation Ecosystem (RIE) Coordinator
Becca Flory, Local Communications Manager
The James Hutton Institute:
Hannah Budge, Researcher
The Solutions
SOLUTION 1
An illustrated map and visitor guide for Perth & Kinross
Solution 1 seeks to address a challenge facing many rural communities in North-East Scotland – the "over commodification" of Scottish cultural practices and places that has resulted in a dilution of their meaning and value.
How will the solution help?
The purpose of the illustrated map and visitor guide for Perth & Kinross is to disperse tourism across the Dynamo region in a responsible and sustainable way and to engage people who live in the rural communities to ensure that we are "selling" an authentic experience to visitors.
During implementation we will:
1. Work with rural communities to understand their needs / wants in terms of visitors to their area,
2. Crowdsource ideas for experiences / venues from local businesses and people,
3. Develop a map and guide that highlights touristic routes, taking into consideration environmental impact.
If you’d like to get involved in helping us design / develop Solution 1, then please sign up to our mailing list below.
SOLUTION 2
An online marketplace for food and drinks producers
Solution 2 seeks to address the challenge of making affordable, healthy, nutritious food more accessible to people in rural communities.
How will the solution help?
We are developing a multi-channel solution to this challenge. Our online marketplace will help local people and visitors find, access and pay for locally produced food and drink that is sold at listed outlets.
Anyone who produces food and / or drinks and has some form of [licensed] "retail" outlet can apply to list their outlet on the website. An outlet can be anything from farm honesty boxes to larger farm shops. The Solution will include sophisticated mapping and point of sale software (if needed).
Our outreach and education events will showcase food and drinks producers and the importance of growing and eating / drinking healthy, nutritious products.
Finally, we are conducting a feasibility study during the implementation phase to see if it is possible to set up a pop-up shop or central retail outlet in the Dynamo region for food and drinks producers to sell their products.
If you’d like to get involved in helping us design / develop this solution, then please sign up to our mailing list below.
SOLUTION 3
A one-stop-shop website for flooding information
Solution 3 seeks to address the challenge of how flooding information is communicated to people in rural communities in the Dynamo region, most at risk of flooding.
How will the solution help?
We will work with 2 "pilot" villages / towns and key stakeholders to:
1. develop a one-stop-shop website (or page on an existing website) for flooding information and resources,
2. develop a communications plan and strategy that ensures that all members of our rural communities are better aware, prepared and supported before, during and after a flood event.
If you’d like to get involved in helping us design / develop this solution, then please sign up to our mailing list below.
SOLUTION 4 (Innovator’s Solution)
A GPS tracking collar and app for farmers to monitor their livestock remotely