Learning and skills

A new drive has been launched to develop Scotland’s green heat sector and ensure the right people, skills and technology are in place to make homes and buildings warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

The latest cycle of a programme promoting sustainable innovation and transformational change in the agricultural sector has taken a step forward.

Backed by £1.7 million of funding, nine farms across Scotland will take part in the Scottish Monitor Farm Programme (MFP).

The programme focuses on practical farming and good business practices to build resilient, dynamic farms focused on reaching full economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Sixty primary 3 pupils from Tulloch Primary School enjoyed a visit from Daisy a fibre glass dairy cow and a brand new, John Deere Tractor.  The visit was organised by The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Perth & Kinross as part of their ongoing mission to give every school pupil in the region the opportunity to learn about food, farming, and the countryside.

A new nature reserve in the uplands of Dumfries and Galloway has doubled in size with the legal completion of the South of Scotland’s largest community buyout, in what organisers say is a ‘moment of history and hope’ for nature, climate and people.

The deadline for responding to the consultation for a new Agriculture Bill has been extended until Monday 5th December and an additional face to face workshop announced, which will be held in Orkney.

To date we have supported at six face to face events - Inverness, Portree, Inverurie, Oban, Melrose and most recently Stirling and have a further three planned events over the next few weeks covering Dumfries, Ayr and now Orkney 

A new course in peatland restoration, the first of its kind in Scotland, is now open for booking. The course, supported with additional online learning, has been developed by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in partnership with NatureScot Peatland ACTION and is aimed at graduates currently involved, or aspiring to work, in the planning of peatland restoration schemes which are a vital nature-based solution to the climate emergency.

Have you ever wanted to make change happen in an issue you care passionately about? Explore new solutions with the world’s leading professionals? A Churchill Fellowship offers an opportunity to lead the change you want to see.

Applications will close at 5pm on 22 November for Churchill Fellowships in a range of themes, including rural communities.

Check out the latest rural job opportunities in Scotland.

Argyll, Lomond and the Islands Energy Agency - Affordable Warmth Advisor