Community development

Derek Harper, Chair of the local liaison group for the 2016 Scottish Rural Parliament event was part of the Scottish delegation to the European Rural Parliament (ERP) event held in Schärding, Austria last month. Here, he shares his reflections on the event. We'll have more from other attendees from Scotland over the next couple of weeks.

What was the event about and why did you attend?

A minibus trial funded by Muirhall Energy is investing in the need to provide public transport for its rural community.

The trial, which has been organised by the Woolfords, Auchengray & Tarbrax Improvement Foundation (WAT IF?) and run by Salmonds Coaches, will run until 19 December and    is fully funded by Muirhall Windfarm Extension.

Debbie Bridges, Community Officer for Muirhall Energy said:

The Tesco Local Community Scheme for community greenspace projects is now open for applications until 11 December 2015.

The money raised from the 5p bag charge in Tesco stores will be used to pay for a large number of local projects to improve greenspaces in communities across Scotland, England and Wales. The grant scheme is administered by Groundwork, working with greenspace scotland to deliver the programme in Scotland.

Brechin, Angus has been announced as the location for the second Scottish Rural Parliament.

Around 400 people are expected to gather in Brechin for the event on 6-8 October 2016 to develop and agree an action plan for rural Scotland as well as celebrating the strengths and achievements of rural communities.

Fruit Futures Festive Fun

An evening celebrating all things fruitful this Christmas. A great way to meet other orchard related projects in your area as well as an opportunity to treat yourself and volunteers to mulled apple juice, apple related Christmas crafts and festive fruity food.

It would be wonderful if everyone could please bring along some food to share and discuss Christmas recipes to make with your fruit. If you are unable to we would still love you to come of course!

To book please email emma@forthenvironmentlink.org.

Moray LEADER is now recruiting for Local Action Group members for the 2014-2020 programme.

Moray has been approved for funding to operate the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme, with European Union and Scottish Government funding of over £3.4 million. The programme will be overseen by a Local Action Group (LAG) for which volunteers are now being recruited.

Are you part of a cultural group that’s doing something new or interesting? Or do you know a creative group in your area that deserves recognition?

From singing to knitting, amateur dramatics to painting, across the UK and Republic of Ireland over 60,000 groups regularly get creative purely for the love of it. The Epic Awards shine a light on their achievements, and the opportunities for creative participation they bring to local communities.

Scottish Rural Action have announced that the first Scottish Rural Summit will take place on 24 November in East Lothian.

This event will bring together invited representatives from the public sector, rural communities and others to look at opportunities for rural Scotland to be empowered, connected and sustainable.

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