Community development

Digital Scotland, a business network supporting the Scottish Government's ambition of building a world-leading digital nation, has launched the first 'Smart Village' platform for equipping Scotland's rural communities with the same technologies enjoyed by large cities.

Community groups can apply for funding towards artistic and visual improvements to their local National Cycle Network routes.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available from the ArtRoots Fund, funded by Transport Scotland and delivered by Sustrans Scotland. The fund seeks to empower local communities in making improvements on local routes to increase user confidence and make journeys on the National Cycle Network more enjoyable for everyone.

In this article you can find out about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become one of the founding members of Ulva’s new community​.

In this article from the Scottish Islands Federation you can find out more about the organisation and its work.

Bressay Development Ltd (BDL) have four studio spaces to rent in a large, bright, former classroom.

The studios are in what was the school, which is also home to the Speldiburn Cafe and art gallery, Good As New Shop, community library and a large multi-purpose room (used for workshops, classes, exhibitions and meetings). There is also knitwear/design studio, a resident artist studio and the BDL office using some of the other rooms.

The Orkney islands of Westray and Papa Westray were among the winners in this year's SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration.