Crichton Institute

Description

The Crichton Institute, located in the south west of Scotland, serves as a center for research, development, and knowledge exchange related to the social, economic, and cultural regeneration of rural areas. Their interdisciplinary approach to understanding issues and offering solutions involves staff who collaborate with academic and strategic partners on the Crichton University Campus in Dumfries, as well as national and international partners. Led by the University of Glasgow School of Interdisciplinary Studies, their research focuses on the south west of Scotland while drawing on international case studies and best practice, covering topics such as rural economy and skills development, community development, place-making, and the impact of demographic change.

The Institute has several ongoing research projects, including an investigation into the ‘trickle-out’ effects of major capital inward investment and ‘community benefits’ on the regional economy, a study exploring the impact of geographic deprivation measures on policy and resource decisions, and a pilot study on the contribution small businesses make towards plans for and responses to natural hazards. They also conducted research on various topics such as the potential development of a 'care campus' in Dumfries, the understanding of resilience in Scotland, and the demographic profile of participants in the Wild Spring Festival.

In addition, the Institute has produced reports such as the socio-economic baseline study for Galloway and Southern Ayrshire (GSA) Biosphere, which provides insights into the region and helps shape future priorities for the Biosphere, and the Baseline Study and Regional Economic Profile, which offers information on core economic indicators and an economic profile of the Dumfries and Galloway region. They also evaluated the Queensbury Initiative, a partnership between schools, businesses, and the Third Sector, and conducted a study on how young people in rural areas make their higher education choices and career decisions. The Institute's work has been used by the Dumfries and Galloway Council's Anti-Poverty Strategy and the Regional Economic Strategy 2014-20.

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No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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University of Glasgow
Glasgow