COVID-19 Information Hub

Welcome to the Scottish Rural Network COVID-19 Information Hub. This hub has been set up in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and will be updated daily with the latest official guidance, helpful resources, funding support and news relevant to Scotland's rural communities.

If you are looking for more advice relating to agriculture and farming then please visit the COVID-19 page on ruralpayments.org

If you cannot find the answer you are looking for in the information below, then please get in touch with us via our online contact form.

Click on the links below to jump to a section

Health & Safety Advice
Scotland's Routemap out of Lockdown
Rural Sector Guidance
Other Sector Guidance
Community Support and Funding
Business Support and Funding
Food & Drink Support
Support for Young People
Volunteering & Employment Opportunities
Learning Opportunities
Third Sector Funding
Wellbeing & Mental Health Support
Other Useful Links

Health & Safety Advice

The same general social distancing and health & safety guidelines apply to rural Scotland as they do in more built-up areas. To protect yourself and others, you must:

stay at home
only go outside for essential food, health and work reasons
stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from other people
wash your hands regularly
wash your hands as soon as you get home

For more detailed information and guidance, check out the following links:

Scotland's Routemap out of Lockdown

The route map gives an indication of the order in which we will carefully and gradually seek to change current restrictions. It provides practical examples of what people, organisations and businesses can expect to see change over time.

We are currently in Phase 3 of the routemap for moving out of lockdown. See the details of the key changes to be made which will be implemented in stages.

Rural Sector Guidance

Other Sector Guidance

Community Support & Funding

Scottish Government COVID-19 Wellbeing Fund
Scottish Government Supporting Communities Fund - this fund is issued through anchor organisations and is not available for applications. You can see a list of the organisations supported so far here.
The Prince's Countryside COVID-19 Emergency Funding
SCVO Community Action Directory

Business Support & Funding

For information on business support funding available through the Scottish Government, you can visit the FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot website. The three main funding streams available include the below;

Funding and support available through the UK Government;

Other funding and support available;

Growbiz is an independent, community-based organisation with charitable status, providing support to anyone starting, running or growing a rural business. They are increasing their support during the COVID-19 crisis and are open to any small or micro-business in Perthshire or other parts of rural Scotland.
Crowdfunder UK - Crowdfund Scotland are offering 100% free fundraising for businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.