UHI Land and Communities Knowledge Exchange Sector Group
The Land and Communities Knowledge Exchange Sector Group works to support everyone who lives, works, values and benefits from the land in the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire – and beyond.
Drawing on a wealth of knowledge and expertise in related fields, and with our network of colleges, specialist teaching centres and internationally recognised research institutes across the regions we serve, UHI is uniquely positioned to help communities maximise the social, economic, and environmental benefits of the land, driving sustainable development for the future.
Have a question you can’t answer? Want to uncover more about your home’s history, culture and potential? Need new skills or knowledge to help your industry, community or region thrive? Whatever your goal, UHI is here to help you achieve it.
Businesses, organisations and community groups are already benefitting from the work of the Land and Communities Sector Group. Through collaborative projects, knowledge exchange, and community-led research, the group strengthens UHI’s presence, fosters mutual benefit, and applies academic expertise to drive the development of the regions we serve.
We have responded to the demand for community-led research, worked to address industry skills shortages, and partnered with sector leaders to design a future research agenda complete with practical funding and delivery options — all while focusing on the unique interests, needs, and assets of the regions we serve.
Universities and colleges play a vital role in their communities – and with our specialist skills, deep expertise, and mission to drive transformative change, UHI is uniquely positioned to make an even greater impact than most. We are committed to active engagement, ensuring that in this time of significant demand and change, the land of the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire is owned, used, and managed for the benefit of its people. We’re here to help.
Research
The Land and Communities Knowledge Exchange Sector Group brings together researchers from across UHI, integrating different locations, methodologies, disciplines and levels of experience around a common focus on supporting the landscapes and communities of the region to flourish. Please get in touch with the nature of your project or opportunity and we can source the researcher to match the requirements.
Services and consultancy
We have a broad range of experience undertaking contract research and consultancy work for public, private and charitable organisations. This has included community-led projects, policy evaluations and business consultancy at a range of scales.
For more information, please contact landandcommunities@uhi.ac.uk
Case studies
Our locations
Dr Bobby Macaulay, originally from Shetland and based at the UHI Centre for Mountain Studies at UHI Perth, serves as Chair of the Land and Communities Knowledge Exchange Sector Group. The steering group brings together representatives from across the UHI partnership, including UHI Orkney; UHI North, West and Hebrides; UHI Inverness, and the university.
The sector group works across the Highlands and Islands, Moray, Perthshire and beyond, and we warmly encourage anyone with an interest to get in touch.
For more information, please contact landandcommunities@uhi.ac.uk
CPD courses
The following standalone continuing professional development (CPD) courses are offered in the field of land and communities:
- Archaeology and Local Studies
- Forestry
- Forest Kindergarten
- Rural Community Development
- Sustainable Deer Management
- Sustainable Development
- Sustainable Land Use
- Sustainable Resource Management
We also offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.