Innovation

The deadline for applications to the Beef Efficiency Scheme has been extended until 15 June 2016.

A deadline extension has been announced by the new Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, for the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES), meaning farmers now have until 15 June 2016 to apply for a share of up to £45 million beef sector support scheme.

The previous deadline for applications was Tuesday 31 May.

In this article, Anne Connor - Chief Executive of Out of the Box - tells us about their work to find out how rural communities can work well for older people.

News from Scottish Borders LEADER

Scottish Borders LEADER is now ready to receive applications for LEADER programme funding.

Rather than having one big launch event, we are holding a series of targeted meetings directed at specific rural areas and sectors in the Scottish Borders.

A Community Share Offer has been launched to help raise over £1.5 million of investment to create Scotland's first community-owned craft whisky distillery.

Glenwyvis Distillery Community Benefit Society, based in the Highland town of Dingwall, has launched the Community Share Offer in conjunction with Community Shares Scotland (CSS).

Participants are being sought for a European workshop on 'New value chains from multifunctional forests'.

Do you have relevant experience or ideas on innovative ways to add economic value to forest products or services? If so, the agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI) would like to hear about them.

The RSPB Scotland Nature of Scotland Awards 2016 are now open for entries.

There are eight award categories, with each one recognising a different aspect of conservation work. And this year there are two new categories - the Food and Farming Award, and the Corporate Awards.

The award categories are:

Fyne Futures are delighted that Climate Challenge Fund Scotland are supporting the next stage of Bute Produce Horticulture Training Centre.

The training centre will create skills development and employment opportunities for the community of Bute, particularly in the content of a low carbon future. 

Women farmers as drivers of innovation and green growth in the European Union.

Copa-Cogeca, the voice of farmers and their cooperatives in the European Union, are seeking applications for their European Innovation Award.

Dumfries & Galloway LEADER Project Officer (Temporary)

• Dumfries with a region-wide remit
• Salary: £20,535 - £22,056

Dumfries & Galloway LEADER is seeking a confident, out-going individual to support the local business sector in the development of projects which will ensure we maximise the benefit of this new tranche of funding for Dumfries & Galloway.

Successful candidates will bring knowledge of the business and enterprise sector and a keen understanding of the economic context in which rural businesses currently operate.