Funding

Since July 2024, The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) has received strong uptake in Carbon Audits.

Communities across Scotland, including groups in the Hebrides, Shetland and Arran are to benefit from a share of £1.5 million Scottish Government funding aimed at supporting community renewable energy generation projects.

Two Funds to help Women in Forestry get access to training and wider Future Forester training for all have become available again, thanks to Scottish Forestry and Lantra Scotland.

Nearly 1 in 3 people in the UK find it difficult to use online services. Reasons for this include: poor internet access, not feeling confident using technology, having dyslexia, or low or no vision.

Yesterday First Minster John Swinney anounced his new Programme for Government (PfG), which focussed on actions to progress four priorities.

These are:

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced a review of Creative Scotland to ensure its operations and structure are optimal to the needs of the culture sector, as part of this year’s Programme for Government.

The newly refurbished Carloway Community Centre was officially opened last week (29th of August) by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, who joined Iain Macaulay, Lord-Lieutenant of the Western Isles, for a tour of the upgraded facilities on the Isle of Lewis.

The Outer Hebrides Community Led Local Development Local Action Group (CLLD LAG) have launched their grant fund. In total, £90,000 of capital funding is available and applications are now sought for sums in the region of £5,000-£10,000.

Scottish farming businesses will see support payments start to reach their bank accounts this week with initial payments worth approximately £243 million.

The Scottish Government first brought the payments forward in 2022 to help with the transition from EU’s CAP Payment system and give recipients greater reassurance and stability.

Plunkett UK is offering a limited number of small development grants of up to £2,000 to community groups in rural Scotland looking to bring their pub/hotel into community ownership.