Driving delivery sits at the heart of BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the South, the spotlight is on Skills as a critical enabler of change.
The South of Scotland faces a significant skills challenge shaped by its rural geography and ageing population. Persistent barriers, including limited access to affordable housing, poor transport connectivity, and underinvestment in training, continue to constrain progress.
This summit will bring together academia, industry, and policymakers with a shared goal: to move from identifying gaps to delivering solutions. By strengthening collaboration, unlocking investment, and aligning education with industry needs, the focus is on building a resilient, future-ready workforce that can drive economic growth and support Scotland’s transition to net zero.
Date: 23rd September 2026
Location: The Crichton, Dumfries
Driving delivery sits at the heart of BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the South, the spotlight is on Skills as a critical enabler of change.
The South of Scotland faces a significant skills challenge shaped by its rural geography and ageing population. Persistent barriers, including limited access to affordable housing, poor transport connectivity, and underinvestment in training, continue to constrain progress.
This summit will bring together academia, industry, and policymakers with a shared goal: to move from identifying gaps to delivering solutions. By strengthening collaboration, unlocking investment, and aligning education with industry needs, the focus is on building a resilient, future-ready workforce that can drive economic growth and support Scotland’s transition to net zero.
Date: 23rd September 2026
Location: The Crichton, Dumfries