Land

The new Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER programme launched on Friday 29 January, with £2.78 million of funding to be invested in rural communities across the region.

The event took place at the Callander Youth Project, which was voted Scotland’s top youth project in 2015. Peter Sunderland, Local Action Group Chair, highlighted examples of good practice, including one which inspired a participant to become an international expert on project continuity. 

Farmers affected by recent floods can now apply for a grant to help repair man-made floodbanks.

The Agricultural Floodbank Repair Grant Scheme was announced by the First Minister earlier this year, with £1 million being set aside to fund the repair of man-made floodbanks on farms in nine local authorities: Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, South Lanarkshire, Aberdeenshire, City of Aberdeen, Angus and East Ayrshire.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

Research findings and a report on the evaluation of two regional land use pilot projects have been published.

In 2013, the Scottish Government initiated two regional land use pilot projects in Aberdeenshire and the Scottish Borders to test an innovative approach to land use decision-making. An independent evaluation was carried out in parallel with the pilot projects to consider the processes of developing and managing the projects as well as the final outputs.

A new Action Plan for organic food and farming in Scotland from 2016 to 2020 has been launched.

"Organic Ambitions: Scotland’s Organic Action Plan 2016 – 2020" aims to help organic food and farming build a more sustainable future, regenerate the rural economy and conserve biodiversity and natural resources.

The Action Plan identifies the key challenges facing the development of Scottish organic food and the actions required to address them.

Over 100 people from across rural Perthshire braved the snow and ice to attend the launch of the Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER programme on 14 January. 

After a spot of networking at the various stands the meeting commenced with the Local Action Group Chair, with Jackie Brierton speaking passionately about the opportunities that the Local Development Strategy offers in terms of stronger networking, collaboration, a well connected sustainable local economy with communities coming together.

The Gathering 2016

The Gathering is Scotland’s largest event for charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations. It’s free and everyone’s welcome.

Organised every year by SCVO, it’s a place for people working in the third sector to network, showcase what they do and learn from each other. It’s also a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in finding out more about the third sector to come along and get involved. There’s a bustling exhibition and marketplace with over 100 exhibitors, and a packed programme featuring more than 60 workshops, seminars and training sessions.

Scottish Smallholding and Grower Festival 2016

Now in it's fifth year, the Festival has something for everyone interested in smallholding in Scotland. With shows of sheep, goats, pigs and poultry and waterfowl and cattle breed societies, and with a focus on rare and traditional breeds, it's a great place to meet breeders and make connections. There's also trade stands and craft exhibitors; a Garden, Craft and Food competition; rural skills demonstrations and a programme of fifteen talks to inform, inspire and educate.

Smallholding Scotland Conference 2016

Featuring six sessions delivered by experts in their field, it's a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn something new and enjoy a bit of smallholder chat and socialising before the days get longer and outdoor tasks start to take priority.

Tickets only available online at £25 each, includes lunch, refreshments and delegate pack.

SOIL: Knowing what you've got and making it work for you, Dunkeld

A practical informative meeting with James Bretherton, Agscope, looking at the most vital asset on your farm SOIL.

Discussing soil analysis, physical soil assessment, what appropriate remedial action to take & answering your soil related questions.

The event includes a Bring Your Own soil & soil analysis hands-on session.

Booking is required, so lunch and packs can be provided. Booking form here.

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