Community development

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.

Four rural villages in North Lanarkshire will soon launch individual community action plans.

​The plans for Upperton, Caldercruix, Greengairs and Plains set out each community's priorities for the next five years and highlight particular projects the community would like to work together on to improve their place. 

Last month Angus LEADER hosted a group of individuals from Belgium and Romania as part of a tourism project across the three countries. The Transnational Cooperation Project, funded through the Angus LEADER programme aims to build the capacity of each area to develop a flourishing visitor economy that benefits the whole community.

As part of a commitment of funding designed to support the growth of grassroots social enterprises, the Scottish Government have provided support for the creation of a Rural Social Enterprise Hub.

Ten community ownership projects have been awarded funding from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF). 

The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. 

The Scottish Islands Federation (SIF) is seeking new members for its board.

The Scottish Islands Federation was set up in 2007 to assist island organisations to express their points of views, share their experiences and stories and make better representations at local, regional, national and European level on all issues affecting the sustainability of Scottish islands.

A new click and collect farmers' market will open soon in Balfron.

The Hub G63, a Drymen-based social enterprise, will launch NeighbourFood Balfron on Monday 23 September 2019 at Balfron High School, giving people across the area access to tasty, local produce.

A project to redevelop the Johnston School in Kirkcudbright is now getting underway, following the formal appointment of a contractor.

The exciting project will convert the empty and unused site into a multi-use building, including the conversion of the former gymnasium into a Dark Skies Visitor Centre.

To celebrate funders and project leaders met at the site this week, with Galloway Glens Administrator Jude Crooks boldly donning a spacesuit on loan from the Glasgow Science Centre.