Project recruiting in Stornoway to understand rural area needs

This research initiative is called Minimum Income Standard for Remote and Rural Scotland and updates similar work which was commissioned in 2012 by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and partner organisations.

Participation in this important study will help understanding of the cost of living in rural Scotland.

The research findings will be used by the Scottish Government and other organisations to help make sure that people have enough to enable them to have an acceptable standard of living and to play a full part in today’s society.

The project has begun recruiting, in Stornoway and surrounding communities (within a 10 miles radius), for participants for three online focus groups (using Zoom) from a variety of backgrounds and age groups.

Participants do not need to be an ‘expert’ in anything and will not be discussing personal details. Involvement in this project is voluntary, with participants receiving a £50 voucher (for use in Tesco, Co-op or Amazon) as a contribution for giving their time, and discussions during the focus groups are strictly confidential.

The dates for the focus groups are as follows: Working age with no dependents – Monday, February 1, from 6.30-9.30pm; Pensioners - Tuesday, February 2, from 10am-1pm; Parents - Thursday, February 4 - 6.30-9.30pm.

The research will be carried out using three local focus groups which will involve a small number of people taking part in an informal discussion led by a professional researcher.

Normally these focus groups would be carried out at a local venue however due to the current Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions the groups will take place online using Zoom, with support provided for those who are unfamiliar with using the technology.

The research will be conducted by the Centre for Research Social Policy (CRSP) team at the University of Loughborough working alongside two Highland-based researchers.

The researchers operate under strict ethical and legal codes, including those of the Data Protection Acts and the Social Research Association.

To take part in this study or more information call Jo Ellen/Amanda Bryan on 07851 969871 or email [email protected].

Additional information on the research is available at www.lboro.ac.uk/research/crsp/mis.