Advice and Support
Whether you are a farmer, crofter, community group or business, there are a range of organisations that can advise and support you to meet your goals. Below, we highlight several key organisations supporting rural and island interests.
Advice for:
- Farmers, crofters and land managers
- Community organisations
- Net Zero and Climate actions
- Rural and island business
- Health, wellbeing and safety
Farmers, crofters and land managers
Whether you are a farmer, crofter, community group or business there are a range of organisations that can advise and support you to meet your goals. Below, we highlight several key organisations supporting rural and island interests.
Farm Advisory Service
Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) helps farmers and crofters to access the latest information and resources to increase profitability and sustainability through the following services. Part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), it is funded by the Scottish Government.
Advice facility
This dedicated advice service by telephone 0300 323 0161 or email advice@fas.scot signposts farmers and crofters to information and guidance on cross compliance, water framework directive, climate change, greening and other technical matters.
One-to-one support
Providing financial support for:
Events and publications
A full programme of events including workshops, network farm meetings, conferences and training courses are delivered across Scotland.
The FAS website also has a wide range of publications including the online Farm Management Handbook, FAS newsletters, Agri-Business News, guidelines and information notes in an easy-to-find library of resources and information.
Croft and Small Farm Subscriptions
The Croft and Small Farm Subscription provides crofter access to local agricultural consultants for advice on all rural related subjects and is provided through SAC Consulting.
The subscription service is supported by expert consultant in a local office in the crofting counties who understand the area you live and croft in, and the challenges and opportunities you face. We give independent advice and are backed by a wealth of industry research, connections and knowledge, utilising our national support with local delivery tailored to you.
Find out more at: SAC Consulting | On croft (sruc.ac.uk)
Scottish Agritourism is the official body for agritourism in Scotland, providing leadership and a strong voice to represent and grow the sector.
They are a close-knit network of quality agritourism and quality rural businesses scattered throughout all parts of the Scottish countryside who offer locals and visitors alike high quality and memorable experiences. Throughout the year they host events, bringing their members together for a chance to discuss the big issues, new innovations, and opportunities to grow Scottish Agritourism.
In recent years Scottish Rural Network have provided have provided funding support to Scottish Agritourism to facilitate a cohort of new entrants into the Agritourism sector.
You can find their website here
Advice for third sector and community organisations
A range of organisations are available to provide suport and guidance to rural and island community groups.
TSI Scotland - If you are a third sector organisation or community group looking for advice and guidance you can contact your local Third Sector Interface (TSI). Each local authority area in Scotland has a TSI to support, promote, develop and represent the third sector. You can find out more, and search for your local TSI at the TSI Scotland Network website here
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations - The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) runs an information service for the third sector. You can call 0800 169 0022 or email enquiries@scvo.org.uk.
Social Investment Scotland (SIS), is a social enterprise and charity offering loan funding and business support for social enterprises, charities and community groups. Because they are a charity and social enterprise themselves, they have a unique understanding of the challenges faced by social enterprises, particularly if they are attempting something they have never done before.
You can access the SIS website here
Village Halls and Community Hubs Handbook
Village halls and community hubs are often the heart of rural and island communities. They are places for people to gather, learn, access services and have fun. Making sure they are well run and maintained is an important but not always easy role, often fulfilled by committed volunteers and workers.
SRN have funded the development and publication of a handbook for everyone running a village or community hall in Scotland or considering the development of a new facility - the 'Village and Community Halls Handbook'.
Produced by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) from Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS), with support from SRN, the publication will guide community organisations through what they need to know to manage and run a sustainable village hall or community space.
Visit and explore the Village and Community Halls Handbook.
The Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) is a Scottish Government funded programme, set up to:
Help community groups in Scotland take on assets for their community, giving them greater control of land and buildings, and helping to ensure local service delivery in the future.
Support local authorities, other public bodies and members of Community Planning Partnerships to transfer a building or land asset, recognising the benefits of partnership working with the community to meet future goals.
Plunkett UK is a charity that supports people to set up and run a wide range of businesses which are owned by local communities, where members have equal and democratic control. At the start of 2023 Plunkett represented around 750 community-owned businesses in rural and urban areas throughout the UK, from shops and pubs through to woodlands, farms and fisheries.
Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) is the lead body for community development in Scotland. Their vision is for an active, inclusive and just Scotland where our communities are strong, equitable and sustainable.
They work directly with:
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Community groups and organisations
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Community development practitioners
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Government and other policy makers
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Local partnerships and agencies across Scotland who want to involve communities in their work
They deliver large scale programmes across Scotland to help build the capacity of the community sector, support public agencies to work effectively with communities and to widen participation in local democracy.
Scottish Co-production Network
The Scottish Co-production Network (SCN) is a free network open to everyone passionate about co-production and supports co-production policy and practice across Scotland.
Their activity includes:
- Highlighting and sharing co-production stories from across Scotland and beyond.
- Hosting regular learning events, bringing together those with experience to share.
- Organising the annual Co-production Week Scotland each November.
- Supporting and influencing policy discussion at local and national levels.
SCN is supported by Scottish Government and hosted by Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC).
Community Energy Scotland is a registered charity who are community energy specialists, providing detailed, independent and ongoing support for all aspects of community energy project development – from micro to megawatt scale, from heat to transport. We aim to cover the cost of this service through fees payable from grants or loans secured by project groups.
Local Energy Scotland manage CARES - the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme. CARES supports communities across Scotland to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions.
Building Community Group Capacity
Case studies can be useful for showcasing the activities, challenges and lessons learned from a particular initiative - sharing the story behind the numbers, and providing real, relatable examples.
They can be a very effective way of communicating the impact of a particular project, in a way which is practical, authentic and meaningful and are therefore important evidence when it comes to the evaluation of projects and to applying for funding streams.
To support community groups produce effective case studies, our guide for community groups, ‘Telling your story through case studies’ is an inaluable tool.
This guide is for grassroots community groups including Local Action Groups (LAG), development trusts, community councils and others who are delivering projects in their local area, and who want to create a case study to help tell the story of their work.
Access the guide here
SCOTO is a network of community tourism enterprises located throughout Scotland and led by a team of individuals who each have extensive and varied experience in community tourism.
Community tourism is where a community enterprise or a geographic community is directly involved in shaping and managing the tourism offers in their area and ensuring tourism derives tangible benefits locally. Historically many communities have felt that tourism happens to them rather than with them but there is a growing sense that tourism can be a force for good an dthi sis where SCOTO can help.
There aim is to: “establish community owned and managed tourism as a highly respected and distinct sector within the Scottish tourism offer - dedicated to providing high quality and authentic experiences which derive positive benefits for our visitors and our communities alike.”
Net Zero and Climate actions
Adaptation Scotland provide advice and support to help Scotland be prepared and resilient to the effects of climate change.
They help public sector, businesses and communities to understand what climate change will mean across Scotland, and identify the best way for them to plan for the impact – taking the opportunities and preparing for the risks.
Access their website here
Highlands and Islands Climate Hub supports community led climate action.
The aim of the hub is to support community led climate action in the Highlands & Islands in all the stages it takes to design, develop and deliver a project. We can support existing community groups or help communities to form new groups. Connecting communities through new and existing networks and signposting to further support as needed. Even if you are not developing a specific climate action project we can help you with climate ready policies for your organisations and how to embed climate action in your work.
A Climate Café is an open, inclusive space for people to get together to talk and act on climate change.
Climate Cafés are community led, informal spaces where everyone is welcome to join the conversation and get involved. Climate Cafés create a space to bring people together from across communities, work places and campuses to focus on solutions. Many people find them inspiring and positive spaces to connect with others.
Access their website here
Carbon Neutral Islands Handbook
Community Energy Scotland have developed a Community Action Handbook, based on the Carbon Neutral Island (CNI) project. It has been designed as an accessible and practical resource for use by communities wishing to take action on climate change.
The handbook is available to view online and a hardcopy version is also available - to request a hard copy of the handbook, please get in touch with raina.bergasse@communityenergyscotland.org.uk (please note that hard copiues are limited to one copy per organisation).
You can access the online version at Carbon Neutral Islands Handbook
Advice for rural and island businesses
Business Support - Food Tourism Industry Guide
VisitScotland have published a handy Food Tourism Industry Guide to support rural and island businesses.
Businesses can learn what food tourism is, how it can benefit their business and how to develop quality food tourism experiences.
Food and drink are a key part of a visit to Scotland, with visitors keen to try local food and drink. Thanks to our landscape, we have a rich, natural larder and plenty of home grown produce to offer visitors. We have diverse food and drink experiences and passionate local food ambassadors.
The guide covers an array of sections such as;
- How to develop a quality food tourism experience
- How to market your food tourism business
- How to source local produce
- Providing Food and Drink experiences
- Case Studies and inspiration
You can also find further resources on funding, upskilling, food standards, annual awards and more.
Use this food tourism industry guide to discover how to create impactful experiences that exceed the expectations of visitors and help you make the most of this lucrative market.
You can access the guide here
Scotland Food and Drink are a membership organisation committed to delivering competitive edge. They develop growth strategies, broaden networks and help to share market opportunities. Fin dout more at their website here
New Business Support
Growbiz provide free support services for anyone who is considering becoming self-employed, starting or growing an existing small business or social enterprise in rural Scotland
Business Support - Enterprise Agencies
Support for your business in Scotland can go a long way when aided by Enterprise Agencies, which include:
If your business needs support, Business Gateway is in your corner!
Business Gateway are the Find out about the free support and guidance Business Gateway offer to businesses across Scotland. They can offer expert advice on a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to:
- Net zero support
- Webinars and events to support you and your team – whatever stage your business is at.
- Start-up toolkit packed with resources and advice.
- Strengthen your business - personalised dashboard of resources.
- Digital skills
- Business Development programmes
Access their webiste here
Scottish Enterprise (SE) is Scotland’s national economic development agency who enable businesses to innovate and scale to transform Scotland’s economy.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) work with communities, enterprises and stakeholders to unlock our region’s potential for growth and progress, while driving fair work and net zero practices.
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is the development agency for businesses and enterprising communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. We are here to help people and enterprises in the South to thrive, grow, and fulfil their best potential. Every enterprise is different, and SOSE support is tailored to your stage and situation. Services can include training, advice, specialist expertise, and funding (grants and loans).
All can provide ongoing support including funding.
Health, wellbeing and safety
National Rural Mental Health Forum – The National Rural Mental Health Forum is a strong dedicated network of over 225 organisations from third, private and public sectors, with an outreach of over 500,000 people in rural Scotland
The Forum features as an action point of the Scottish Government’s Mental Health Strategy (2017 – 2027) and is named in their Suicide Action Plan, Every Life Matters. You can find their website here
RSABI – provides practical, emotional and financial support to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry. The service is available to those previously and currently involved in farming, crofting and occupations related to agriculture in Scotland. This is a comprehensive service to help people to move forward when they are struggling. You can find their website here
Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters, land managers and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business.
It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together farmers, crofters and land managers can share, learn and support their wellbeing.
Please note that Farmstrong Scotland staff are not mental health practioners.
Farm Safety Foundation (often referred to as Yellow Wellies) – While UK farmers are among the best in the world, farming remains one of our country’s most hazardous industries; accounting for 1% of workers but 18% of all worker fatalities.
Farm Safety Foundation is an independent charity that was established to help young farmers challenge their behaviours and change their attitude to farm safety. The ultimate aim of the Foundation is to have zero avoidable deaths on our farms. To achieve this, the Foundation works closely with partners in the industry to engage, educate and communicate strong and relatable farm safety messages.
You can find their website here
Rural Innovation Support Service
- Email Analy Hannah: ahannah@soilassociation.org
- Telephone: 0131 666 2474
The Rural Innovation Support Service (RISS) helps farmers, foresters and crofters find practical, sustainable solutions to everyday challenges affecting their business.
If your idea is practical and sustainable RISS, part of the Scottish Rural Network and led by Soil Association Scotland, will provide you with a facilitator from across their partner organisations.
Visit our RISS page for more information.