Regeneration: Lessons from Alastair McIntosh
There's a lot of discussions concerning, what is regeneration? Too much is not grounded in practice. Over the course of this summer, we are going to be highlighting different ways of thinking about building and crafting regenerative cultures, which is critical work for us all to be engaging in today. We are drawing primarily from examples in rural communities and the rural-urban interface. We are purposefully going to be connecting local, national, and global intersections.
We want to start with a non-American example, so we are uplifting the work of a Scottish practitioner, Alastair McIntosh. Alastair is a philosopher/theologian, an activist, and a writer/educator. About two decades ago, he helped the Isle of Eigg in Scotland rid itself an non-sustainable energy company that was dominating the local economy, as well as local energy, and replaced it with both an entirely renewable energy system and multiple levels of sovereignty on the island. This was chronicled in his book, Soil and Soul.
As you may know, in his much-acclaimed and highly influential 1973 book "Small Is Beautiful," E.F. Schumacher argues for a shift away from centralized, large-scale industrialization and towards more decentralized, human-centered economies. He critiques the prevailing Western economic system for its unsustainable use of resources and its focus on profit over human needs. Instead, he advocates for intermediate technology, appropriate development, and a people-centered economy that prioritizes local resources, human satisfaction, and environmental sustainability. Since then the Schumacher Institute was formed to help go deeper into many of these issues.
In 2008, Alaistar was invited to write and edit a Shumacher-themed book, titled, Rekindling Community, exploring the intersection of spirituality, land, and community, which is what this newsetter is highlighting. While this book is about 15 years old, it has many useful insights that we see playing out in different parts of the world. The short booklet is a ground-up as well as a cross-sectional approach to a better understanding of what regeneration can and does look like in practice in the context of rural communities. Whether you’re passionate about community development, environmental stewardship, or the deeper connections that bind us together, we hope that this summary that engages with one of the chapters that focuses on regeneration might offer fresh perspectives and practical inspiration. And of course you can always get the pdf of this booklet for free.
The Rubric of Regeneration: What’s It All About?
Regeneration is more than economics!
McIntosh challenges the idea that rural renewal can be achieved through an influx of money or technology alone. True regeneration, he argues, is holistic—restoring not just economies, but also a community's relationships with the land, with each other, and with our spiritual roots.
Spirituality at the Heart
At the core of regeneration in the examples that they were looking at is spirituality, not necessarily religion, but the sense of meaning and connection that gives life depth. Communities flourish when they share values, a sense of belonging, and a vision that goes beyond material concerns.
In rural Scotland, communities like the Isle of Eigg have reclaimed land through collective ownership. These efforts show how local agency, rooted in shared values, can spark both social and environmental renewal.
The Power of Ritual and Tradition
Rituals, storytelling, and honoring traditions are vital. They help communities remember their histories, strengthen identities, and connect generations. These practices act as “regenerative templates,” guiding communities through change.
Facing Challenges Together
McIntosh acknowledges the difficulties—power struggles, conflicting interests, and the temptation to romanticize the past. He calls for ongoing dialogue, humility, and adaptability to ensure regeneration efforts are inclusive and sustainable.
Regeneration is an inside-out process. By weaving together spirituality, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, we can create communities that are resilient, meaningful, and alive. The “rubric of regeneration” invites us to reimagine community as a living relationship—one that sustains both people and the places we call home.
Thank you for reading. Let’s keep the conversation going—what does regeneration mean to you?