“Groundbreaking” new partnership approach to research

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has launched a novel partnership with Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles Councils and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), focussed on identifying how Scottish Government’s Islands Plan can benefit island communities. 

The research will investigate the changing relationship between local authorities and governments in Holyrood and Westminster through the implementation of the plan, with a view to understanding how communities can be empowered and engaged in delivering better outcomes and individual wellbeing. 

The programme will be supported by one fully funded four-year PHD student placement while the research to critically analyse the developing and changing role of island based local government and its relationship with partners and communities is being conducted. A further area of focus will be on how different forms of ownership and cooperation can be incorporated into the local implementation of the Plan.

LGIU’s Local Democracy Research Centre (LDRC) seeks to develop links between local government and research institutions around the world. The outputs of this project, and the partnerships that it helps to develop, will benefit LGIU members in Scotland and elsewhere.

The start date for the project is 15th January 2022. All candidates are asked to supply an academic CV and cover letter, explaining their suitability as a candidate, to Professor Donna Heddle, Acting Vice Principal (Research and Impact) and Director of the institute of Northern Studies at the University of Highlands and Islands. The deadline for applications is 12th November 2021 at 5pm.

Andrew Walker, Head of Research, LGIU said: “This is a truly historic moment for LGIU and the first of what we hope will be many such partnerships for our newly launched Local Democracy Research Centre. We are delighted to bring together LGIU, local government and the research community for this important and exciting project to develop a shared understanding as well as practical insights for local and national policy makers.

We look forward to receiving applications from high calibre students for this project and continuing to build strong relationships in the community such as this.”

Dr Beth Mouat, Islands Strategy Director, the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: “Strengthening research activity in the islands is a key theme for our university partnership and we are proud to be building on the significant number of research students already associated with our island based centres and institutes. We are committed to expanding the number of PhD students and the geographical spread of these over the coming years.”  

Councillor James Stockan, Leader, Orkney Islands Council, said: “Closer working relationships between local authorities and our Governments is always welcome and we would hope that the Scottish Government Islands Plan can make a tangible difference to island communities such as ours. 

“We know Orkney is incredibly special, but that does not mean that we do not face our own set of unique challenges. Ongoing evaluation through a research programme such as this will help shape how we move forward.”

Roddie Mackay, Leader, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “The Comhairle looks forward to working with UHI and LGIU  in this partnership. We will be keen to see how the Scottish Government’s Islands plan can benefit our communities as the Comhairle is committed to community empowerment and engagement.”