Rural services

Scotland’s specialist rural enterprise support organisation GrowBiz has launched a comprehensive directory of the country’s rural and island businesses in a bid to support and promote the rural economy.  Rural micro-enterprises across Scotland are being encouraged to sign up to access all the benefits that the directory offers.

Integrating woodland on new entrant farms and crofts

This interactive lunchtime webinar will be hosted by Lynbreck Croft, who will share their experiences of woodland expansion and tree planting, navigating grant systems and providing practical advice.  You will also hear from Lyn White, Scottish Forestry who will outline the grants options available to support woodland expansion on new entrant farms and crofts.  Finally, the webinar will feature a virtual tour of the Glensaugh Farm Agrofores

Over the last few months, residents in Kirkfieldbank have been sharing their thoughts and ideas for the future of their community to develop a Five-Year Community-led Action Plan.

Around 23,000 low income households without proper internet access will be helped to get online with the assistance of £15 million of Scottish Government funding.

The Outer Hebrides LEADER and EMFF (European Maritime and Fisheries Communities Fund) 2014-2020 Programmes have both supported nearly 60 unique projects thus far in the current programme.  The Outer Hebrides LEADER and Fisheries Local Action Groups (LAG) manage both programmes, which aims to develop and support community-led local development in the Outer Hebrides.   

An online parcel delivery pricing map has been launched to help residents of rural communities identify unfair delivery charges and find the best deals.

After entering a postcode, the website compares charges for a range of parcel sizes from six major companies. Users from around Scotland can also find which online UK retailers deliver to their area.

Community Active Lanarkshire (CAL) has been awarded a grant from Sustrans’ Places For Everyone programme to undertake an ambitious new active travel project which will enable the Abington, Leadhills and Douglas communities to link up with nearby settlements and services.

Sustrans’ Places For Everyone programme is funded by the Scottish Government and aims to make places safer, healthier and more attractive through increasing and improving every day active travel journeys.

A new service is being launched to match rural businesses with potential employees and volunteers during the response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Scottish Government has started early engagement on the development of Scotland's fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).

The National Planning Framework is a long term plan for development and investment across Scotland.

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