Rural services

The new community-owned housing, health and business development in Staffin, Skye, has won a national award.

The Scottish Homes Awards 2022 were held in Glasgow's Hilton Hotel on 23 June, and recognise excellence in the new build housing industry.

A £28.75 million programme has ensured 4G mobile phone coverage has been expanded in dozens of more rural areas.

Improved digital connectivity has been delivered by the Scottish 4G Infill (S4GI) programme to help people across the country, from the Shetland Islands to the Borders, get online.

Community projects are set to receive up to £20 million over the next three years to continue supporting young people and communities most affected by crime.

Projects which aim to boost food security in Scotland and address the biodiversity and climate crises will benefit from a major Scottish Government funding programme.

This June, GrowBiz is celebrating its 15th birthday, after starting in 2007 to provide community-based support to small businesses and the self-employed.

RSABI, the organisation which provides emotional, financial and practical support to people in Scottish agriculture, has launched a new helpline number – 0808 1234 555 - which is free to call.

The easy-to-remember freephone number will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round to ensure farmers, crofters and others involved in Scottish agriculture can access support at any time of day or night.

Scotland’s Volunteering Action Plan led by Volunteer Scotland and the Scottish Government has been launched, with people, places and communities at its heart.

The plan was launched in Glasgow at The Gathering, SCVO’s celebration of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

Last year, with support from the National Transition Training Fund (NTTF), Lantra Scotland ran the Springboard for Rural Skills project to meet the need for a more diverse network of training instructors, with activities ranging from instructional techniques training to mentoring and formal skills assessments.