Enterprise

The European Network for Rural Development has launched the Smart Villages portal.

Scotland Food & Drink are carrying out a short online survey to gather views to help grow the food tourism sector in Scotland.

Food tourism includes any tourism experience in which a person consumes and/or learns about food and drink that reflects the local cuisine, heritage or culture of a place. This includes the active pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences as well as agri-tourism.

Over 800 projects in Scotland are to benefit from funding from the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme to encourage environmentally-friendly land management practices.

AECS 2017 has awarded £47.7 million to 801 projects over the next five years to protect and enhance Scotland’s natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk, and help agricultural businesses adapt to climate change.

Announcing the award, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

Last week, the National Council of Rural Advisers published their interim report into the impact of Brexit on our rural economy.

Here, Co-Chair Alison Milne explains a bit more about the role of the Council and their ambitions for developing recommendations to support rural Scotland in the future.

The finalists for the 2018 Scottish Rural Awards have been announced.

The Scottish Rural Awards, partnered by Scottish Field magazine and the Scottish Countryside Alliance, celebrate the industry, innovation, dedication and community spirit of those who live and work in the countryside.

Finalists have been announced for the following eleven award categories:

Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart has set out new legislation aimed to simplify and improve the planning system in Scotland.

The Planning (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 4 December and will create a new structure with clearer development plans, earlier engagement with communities, streamlined procedures and smarter resourcing.

Mr Stewart said:

The National Council of Rural Advisers has published its interim report.

The remit of the National Council of Rural Advisers (NCRA) is to provide advice on the potential implications of Scotland leaving the European Union (EU) as part of the United Kingdom (UK), and make recommendations on future policy and support, with the aim of ensuring a vibrant, sustainable and productive rural economy.

Applications are now being accepted for round 2 of the Social Economy Growth Fund.

The Social Economy Growth Fund will enable the third sector/social economy to improve and increase services and support for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage. It will enable social economy organisations to grow their capacity for example by creating new/expanding existing services and employing additional staff.