Rural services

Wood-burning stoves, bioenergy and peat heating will now be permitted in new homes and buildings following a review of the New Build Heat Standard commissioned by ministers earlier this year.

An amendment to regulations made today permits the installation of bioenergy and peat main heating systems - and any type of secondary heating systems - in new buildings from 1 January 2025, while maintaining the prohibition on mains gas and oil boilers as a main heating system.

Community Ownership in Villages – Thornhill gathering

Many villages across Scotland now own land and buildings, often with a view to regenerating the economy, saving vital services and creating a strong sense of community.

Community Ownership in Villages – Findhorn gathering

Many villages across Scotland now own land and buildings, often with a view to regenerating the economy, saving vital services and creating a strong sense of community.

A call for farmers, crofters and others working in agriculture not to bottle up their worries, particularly after recent announcements, has come from RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture.

With widespread concern in the agricultural community about the potential impact of the Budget last week, the charity is urging people to avoid being caught up in an anxiety cycle, fuelled by social media and wider coverage.

Working for Waders: The Autumn Wader Gathering 2024

The Autumn Wader Gathering 2024

Working for Waders is hosting a gathering at Mar Lodge on 21st November so that project partners, wader conservationists and contributors can discuss this year’s breeding season and consider ways to work better together in 2025.

Legislation that will see Scotland move to using five year carbon budgets to set climate targets has been passed.

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill amends the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to introduce limits on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in Scotland over a five-year period.

A host of companies in the Scottish agricultural industry and further afield have rallied behind RSABI’s first Christmas online auction, which goes live today (November 1, 2024).

The charity, which supports people in Scottish agriculture, is expressing its thanks to everyone who is getting behind its month-long online Christmas auction as part of its winter fundraising campaign.

A new Crop Innovation Centre (CIC) was officially opened last week (25 October). 

Planning for Change: Using Whole Farm Plans to build farm resilience

Join Soil Association Scotland  at Lumphinnans Farm in Fife for an interactive workshop to explore what Whole Farm Plans are, what the new requirements will mean for your farm, and how you can use the WFP framework to boost the resilience of your business.

Rural communities play a key part in supporting local authorities in providing foster care placements so it is imperative that the public engage in this ask. 

People are being encouraged to share their views on plans for the future of foster care in Scotland via a Consultation that opens during Care Experience Week.

Pages