Rural development in practice: issues arising in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Following recent proposals from the EC Commission and UK Ministers for a policy emphasis on <it>integrated rural development</it>, this article begins by noting some key elements within a model of endogenous rural development, including the role of <it>partnerships, community involvement, animation and capacitybuilding</it>. The paper focuses on four key questions that we argue are central to attempts to operationalise integrated rural development, drawing on recent practice in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are: the legitimacy of rural development partnerships and <it>local governance</it>; the goals and processes of rural development, the time allocated for pre‐development and the articulation of integrated rural development programmes with other programmes. Finally, we suggest some conclusions for future European and national rural development policy and practice.