Community development

A consultation has been launched that will allow planning authorities and communities to share views on the local development planning process as part of the Scottish Governments reform of the planning system. 

Scottish Rural Action (SRA) have announced that this year, the fifth Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament (SRIP) will take place from the 1st to the 3rd of November in Fort William at the Nevis Centre. This year's main theme is 'village halls and community spaces'.
 

Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon has announced a £1 million increase to the Scottish Land Fund -  a flagship scheme that helps communities take ownership of local land and buildings.

Ms Gougeon visited Granton Community Gardeners project, a previous recipient of support from the Fund.

Scotland Food & Drink has been asked by the Scottish Government to conduct a review into the Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation (FPMC) fund, which was paused this year.

Communities across Scotland are being asked to consider whether their local area could be designated as the country’s newest national park.

Individuals, groups or organisations considering making a proposal can now register early interest. 

The Noss ferry has resumed service this season and NatureScot staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the spectacular island, which is home to thousands of seabirds each summer.

Last summer both of NatureScot’s island reserves, Noss and the Isle of May, were closed to help protect seabirds from a devastating outbreak of avian flu.

NatureScot has welcomed the Scottish Government announcement of the public appointment of Professor Colin Galbraith as the new chair of the NatureScot board.

The Open University in Scotland is currently offering some fully-funded places on their accredited Microcredential courses.