Youth

The results of a new survey show that 71% of young people living in rural locations feel optimistic about their future - despite the challenges of transport, access to services, employment and connectivity. The Rural Youth Project survey, conducted between January and June 2018, has collated the opinions of over 750 young people living or working in a rural areas in the UK and further afield - including respondents from Australia, Canada, Sweden and the United States. 

The Rural Youth Project is a research-based initiative which aims to facilitate the involvement of young people in agricultural and rural activity. The scheme develops strategies to support Scotland’s rural youth by better understanding their current situation, aspirations, opportunities and challenges.

Mairi Gougeon MSP, the new Scottish Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, has recently announced that £600,000 of funding will be made available to groups and organisations across Scotland for outdoor learning programmes. Ms.

In this new Foundation Apprenticeship opportunity, pupils will have the chance to work in SRUC’s laboratories and the college’s Rural Skills outreach programme will see lecturers deliver classes in East Lothian two days a week.

During a visit to the SRUC stand at the Royal Highland Show, Jamie Hepburn, Scotland’s Employability and Skills Minister, praised the scheme.

The third Findhorn Bay Festival was launched today by Festival Director, Kresanna Aigner. From Wednesday 26 September - Monday 1 October, Moray will come alive with a spectacular showcase of arts and cultural events during Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018.

Hot on the heels of the Rural Youth Project is a new survey for young people from Highland and Island Communities.

This short survey from Highlands and Islands Enterprise will help inform their work to make the Highlands and Islands a better place to live, work and study in.

Whether you live in the region, have moved away, or are thinking of moving back – complete the survey to be in with a chance to win prizes such as two tickets to Belladrum or Groove Loch Ness.

Balgay Farm opened its gates on 21 February for an event to teach school children about local farming and food production.

The free Food & Farming Day was organised by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Perth & Kinross, sponsored by the Scottish Government's Food and Drink Industry Division.

Over 900 pupils are taking part a project which encourages classes to grow and harvest their own potatoes from scratch.

The Mr Jazzy Potato Project is organised by the Perth & Kinross Initiative of the Royal Highland Educational Trust (RHET) and sponsored by WCF Horticulture, a leading packer and supply chain manager to the horticultural sector, specialising in seed potatoes.

The Scottish Seabird Centre is seeking a young person to join their Board of Trustees for a year in celebration of Scotland's Year of Young People.

Applications are being accepted from people aged between 18 and 35 who work in the conservation, environmental education or the wildlife tourism sectors.