Leadership starts by challenging what’s possible.
About the Programme
Leading a rural business means balancing opportunity with constant demands. Finding the time to step back, think strategically and explore new possibilities is often one of the biggest challenges of all.
The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme creates that space.
Designed for ambitious leaders of rural SMEs, the programme is a transformational learning journey that challenges perspectives, inspires innovation, encourages entrepreneurial thinking and broadens outlooks through immersive experiences, collaboration and practical business application.
Rather than a series of standalone workshops, the programme is a connected leadership journey. You’ll explore new ways of thinking, challenge assumptions and develop the confidence, capability and influence needed to lead transformational change within your business, your community and Scotland’s rural economy.
Over six months, you’ll step away from the day-to-day demands of running a business to reflect, learn and grow alongside an inspiring network of rural leaders from across Scotland. Through residential learning, coaching, facilitated discussion and shared experiences, you’ll broaden your perspective, explore innovation and international opportunities, strengthen your leadership and return with fresh ideas, renewed confidence and lasting professional connections.
The journey doesn’t end when the programme finishes. You’ll become part of one of Scotland’s most respected rural leadership networks, joining a community of more than 1,000 alumni who continue to share knowledge, open doors, collaborate on new opportunities and champion the future of rural Scotland together.
The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme is delivered by Elevator on behalf of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, with support from the Scottish Government.
Programme Details
- Applications Now Open
- Application Deadline: Friday 4 September 2026
- Programme Runs: October 2026 – March 2027
- Delivered by Elevator on behalf of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, with support from the Scottish Government.
- A Six-Month Transformational Leadership Journey
- Residential Learning, Coaching & Peer Collaboration
- Participant Contribution Fee of £880 + VAT Applies
- Information Webinars Available Before You Apply
Can’t attend an information session?
Don’t worry – you can still apply.
Our information sessions are completely optional, but they’re a great opportunity to learn more about the programme and ask questions before submitting your application.
Ready to lead what’s next?
Leadership today demands more than experience.
It requires curiosity, entrepreneurial thinking and the confidence to challenge assumptions, embrace innovation and inspire others through change.
The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme is designed for ambitious leaders of rural SMEs who are ready to invest in themselves, broaden their outlook and help shape the future of rural Scotland.
If you’re looking for a programme that will stretch your thinking, expand your network and change the way you lead, you could be exactly who we’re looking for.
Do you have the ambition?
- Are you ready to challenge yourself and think differently about leadership?
- Do you want to create greater impact within your business and Scotland’s rural economy?
- Are you excited by new opportunities, innovation and continuous learning?
Do you have the curiosity
- Are you open to fresh perspectives and different ways of thinking?
- Are you ready to broaden your outlook, challenge assumptions and explore opportunities beyond your own business and community?
- Do you enjoy exploring new ideas and turning them into practical action?
Do you have the commitment?
- Can you commit fully to every stage of the programme?
- Are you ready to support, challenge and inspire others?
- Do you want to become part of one of Scotland’s most respected rural leadership networks, continuing to collaborate, share ideas and create lasting impact long after the programme has ended.
Why this programme is different
The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme is more than leadership development. It’s a connected learning journey designed to challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives and equip forward-looking leaders with the confidence to embrace innovation, navigate change and create lasting impact.
Through immersive experiences, practical application and collaboration with an inspiring network of rural leaders, you’ll step away from the day-to-day demands of running a business to reflect, think differently and return with fresh ideas, stronger relationships and renewed confidence to lead.
As a participant, you will:
- Challenge your thinking through immersive experiences that broaden your perspective.
- Develop the confidence and capability to lead transformational change within your business and beyond.
- Strengthen your entrepreneurial thinking to identify new opportunities for innovation, growth and collaboration.
- Learn alongside an inspiring network of ambitious rural leaders from across Scotland.
- Gain fresh insights from experienced facilitators, guest speakers and your fellow participants.
- Build lasting relationships that continue long after the programme ends.
- Become part of one of Scotland’s most respected rural leadership networks, opening new opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.
Participants consistently describe the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme as a transformational experience – one that changes not only how they lead, but how they think. Many leave with renewed confidence, broader perspectives, lifelong professional relationships and the ambition to create lasting impact within their businesses, communities and rural Scotland.
Above all, the programme gives you the confidence to think differently, lead with purpose and help shape the future of rural Scotland.
next steps
Start your leadership journey.
Applications for the 2026–27 Scottish Rural Leadership Programme are now open.
If you’re ready to challenge your thinking, embrace innovation, broaden your outlook and become part of one of Scotland’s most respected rural leadership networks, we’d love to hear from you.
Complete the short form below to register your interest. A member of the team will then be in touch with further information about the application process and upcoming information webinars.
Register your interest now:
Prefer to jump straight to the application?
If you’re ready to apply, you can download a fillable PDF version of the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme application form to complete at your own pace.
Your Commitment
To get the greatest value from the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme, you’ll need to commit time to every stage of the journey. This includes residential learning, coaching, collaboration and applying your learning between sessions.
- 10 days of immersive residential learning and leadership experiences
- Three hours of one-to-one coaching
- Ongoing collaboration and peer learning with your cohort
A participant contribution of £880 + VAT applies. This contribution helps cover accommodation, meals and travel costs associated with the residential elements of the programme, ensuring participants can fully engage in the learning experience.
Here to help
Should you wish to discuss this programme in more detail, please email Karen Clark at karenc@elevatoruk.com.
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