A RESEARCH project investigating the impact of remote working hubs has uncovered a potential model for supporting Scotland’s rural communities.
Led by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in partnership with University College Cork (UCC), the initiative was funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Irish Academy.
This collaboration explored Ireland’s Connected Hubs network and examined how a similar scheme could benefit rural Scotland.
The findings will be used to inform future initiatives aimed at boosting coworking spaces in rural Scotland, driving both economic growth and social wellbeing.
Rural areas in both Ireland and Scotland have faced long-standing challenges such as depopulation and limited service provision.
However, remote working technologies, alongside a national hub network, have enabled more people to live and work in rural areas without needing to commute.
Ireland’s Connected Hubs network, which started in 2021, now comprises nearly 400 hubs and generates €1bn annually for local economies.
Scotland, by comparison, currently has around 165 coworking and community hubs, with 42% in rural areas.
Anna Sellars, senior rural business consultant at SAC Consulting, said: “Ireland’s approach has shown us that greater connection between rural hubs can be hugely beneficial for areas of the country that are challenged by depopulation.
“Coworking hubs exist independently across Scotland, but a national network could leverage opportunities for users, local communities and the wider economic region.”
For further details on SRUC’s research, visit sac.co.uk/our-work.
