Rural services

The European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) have published a new thematic briefing on Smart Villages and rural mobility.

The briefing includes information on how Smart Villages can support the development of sustainable initiatives and the testing of new solutions in the area of mobility and travel.

The third round of the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) is now open for applications.

Tourists sites in rural Scotland are being encouraged to apply for a share of £3 million funding. RTIF aims to help tourist attractions and their communities deal with the impact of increased visitor numbers on local infrastructure by helping with improvements like parking areas, visitor facilities and recycling points.

The Scottish Government wants to support families in accessing high quality, flexible and affordable Out of School Care which benefits children, parents and carers. That is why earlier this year an Out of School Care in Scotland - Draft Framework consultation was launched.

Scottish Ministers are meeting in Inverness today, 28 October, for a convention on how to tackle issues affecting the Highlands and Islands.

The main topics of discussion at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands include climate change and population growth as well as economic opportunities related to energy, marine and technologies, and the expected impact of Brexit on rural communities.   

Businesses in remote and rural areas are being encouraged to take part in a short survey on parcel delivery costs.

As part of its commitment to tackling the longstanding issue of unfair parcel delivery costs to rural areas, the Scottish Government is looking to hear from businesses that buy and/or sell goods online.

It wants to find out more about the impact that surcharging has on your business and your thoughts about existing action on the issue.

The first ever National Islands Plan for Scotland has been laid before the Scottish Parliament for consideration.

The proposed National Islands Plan provides a framework for action in order to meaningfully improve outcomes for Scotland's island communities.

Have your say on the new draft National Transport Strategy for Scotland by taking part in a public consultation.

The National Transport Strategy (NTS2) sets out a vision for the next 20 years and was developed in collaboration with over 60 partner organisations around Scotland.

Would you like to see your broadband project recognised at a European level?

The European Broadband Awards are open for entries ​to big or small, rural or urban, private or public projects. Projects should be at least 65% complete. 

The five award categories are: