Calls for more collaboration to promote south Scotland – The Herald

CHARITIES, councils, academic institutions and the private sector must
collaborate more to raise the profile of the south of Scotland, according
to research.

A briefing paper by the Dumfries-based Crichton Institute says the region
could capitalise more on assets such as renewable energy potential and its
renowned food and drink products to help offset challenges facing the area.

The area struggles with remoteness, an ageing population and transport
difficulties, along with a dependence on tourism, according to the paper.

It suggests that building up stronger collaborative relationships could
help to boost its economy and encourage investment.

Dr Jane Atterton, ­co-director of Policy at the Crichton Institute, said:
“There have been ongoing challenges to raising the south of Scotland
region’s profile nationally and beyond. Greater collaboration among the key
organisations is recognised by the stakeholders we interviewed as being one
route to addressing this.

“The region’s research and education institutes have an important role,
working together, to generate a robust, independent evidence base to inform
and evaluate policy activity by the region’s stakeholders.

“The Crichton Institute will play its part through its focus on research,
policy, business intelligence and the regional observatory which aims to
act as a one-stop access point for information, analysis and evaluation of
opportunities and issues facing the area.”