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Accompanying the rise of community landownership in Scotland, there has been an increase in research requests placed on specific communities. Our evidence suggests that such requests are becoming unmanageable, especially when respondents see very little benefit from research engagement. This project, in collaboration with the Community Landownership Academic Network (CLAN), has sought to find ways of aligning the needs of community landowners and researchers alike to develop guidance which can be used by researchers (and those who supervise them), community organisations and other actors to promote and encourage improved ethical research practice.

Main Image: Attendees of a workshop at UHI Perth June 2024, conferring where they are situated along X and Y axis as researchers, community members, funders, or supervisors.

SEFARI blogs are a relaxed and accessible way to share event reports, individual perspectives or your work, whether it’s just beginning, underway, or complete. They help readers outside your immediate field understand why your research matters.

Think of your blog as something a policymaker, colleague, or curious member of the public might read over a coffee. You’ve got about 30 seconds to grab their attention, so make it engaging, clear, and relevant.

There is an accompanying case study template to help you structure your piece.

If you would like to write a case study for SEFARI Gateway, please get in touch with our communications and engagement officer and/or our centre manager. Learn who they are here - About Us.

This case study template accompanies our case study guidance document.

If you would like to write a case study on your work for SEFARI Gateway please get in touch with our communications and engagement officer and/or our centre manager: About Us

Peat has long been a major ingredient in UK horticulture, but with its use declining and public interest in sustainable alternatives rising, there is increasing demand for clear, trustworthy information about growing media. A Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) has been developed to help consumers understand the environmental impact of compost products through an A–E rating system. To support Scottish Government decision-making on future peat policy, a short review assessed the strengths and limitations of the RSS calculator. The review highlights where the tool can guide responsible sourcing and where refinements are needed, particularly around greenhouse gas emissions, supply-chain transparency and alignment with Scottish policy.

by David Boldrin, David Miller, Roy Neilson and Robin Pakeman

James Hutton Institute

As improving nutritional quality and sustainability can raise production costs, understanding willingness to pay is crucial. This study shows that taste and price are the strongest drivers of UK cheese purchases. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for Scottish cheddar, though a “British” label generates higher perceived value. Sustainability claims, especially “Carbon Neutral”, and nutrition messaging such as “High in Protein”, further increase willingness to pay and strengthen product appeal. These findings suggest that using targeted ecolabels and health claims could help Scottish cheddar achieve stronger market positioning, justify higher prices, and better align with evolving consumer expectations.

Does producing higher-quality food lead to a price premium in the market? We analysed the impact that a Protected Geographical (PGI) label had on the price and sales of Orkney cheddar, which gained its PGI status in 2013. A PGI label identifies a product as originating in a specific place, region or country, and has a known quality, reputation of other characteristic attributable to that specific location. Using data from 2006–2023, we examined sales and pricing to measure policy impact. While Orkney cheddar is priced above other cheddars, it’s unclear if the PGI itself has boosted profits.