Sport and leisure

The newly refurbished Carloway Community Centre was officially opened last week (29th of August) by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, who joined Iain Macaulay, Lord-Lieutenant of the Western Isles, for a tour of the upgraded facilities on the Isle of Lewis.

NatureScot has published an evaluation of the Improving Public Access (IPA) scheme.

The aim of the scheme was to improve links and connectivity, path conditions and barrier-free access in rural Scotland, alongside the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) and as part of Scotland’s Rural Development Programme (SRDP). 

Galloway has been confirmed as the proposed location for Scotland’s next National Park with a further investigation to be carried out on its suitability.

As Extreme E made its exciting return to racing action in Scotland, the latest Hydro X Prix also saw the championship continue its crucial legacy initiatives in Dumfries and Galloway.

Last week saw the start of the official one-year countdown to the highly anticipated Orkney 2025 International Island Games.

Trust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch and the Trossachs National Park’s extensive network of accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes this summer.

Music for All are offering an instrument-only funding round to community projects. They are also opening applications to the Harris Foundation Schools Progression Award for schools looking to enhance and expand their music provision.

Sporting activities are often a key part of rural and island communites and crucial to this is the infrastructure that supports the sporting activity - from the local neighbourhood sports field, community tennis courts or the local shinty pitch.

MyParkScotland have announced the launch of the first round of the Parks4Life Community Fund. 

The primary goal of the Parks4Life Community Fund is to support community groups to deliver on their aim in bringing their parks to life and make the best of our parks for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.

To help share learning and inspire community organisations, Scottish Rural Network have published a trio of video case studies focusing on rural and island community resources and spaces.