Highland Council

People from across the country can now apply to take part in Scottish Enterprise's Rural Leadership Programme.

This year Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have joined forces with Scottish Enterprise to offer 15 places on the programme to people from Highlands and Islands businesses.

This is an opportunity to find out more about the new Scottish Land Commission, who they are and what they do.

They would also like to hear from you and what you think the priorities for land reform should be.

This event is free and tea and coffee will be provided.

For more information call 0300 244 4452 or email info@landcommission.gov.scot.

Spend a day exploring the methodology of the National Plant Monitoring Scheme and meeting like-minded volunteers. You will be taken through what is required as an NPMS volunteer and then head outside to practise setting up survey plots.

This year’s Community Land Scotland conference ‘Sharing the Knowledge’ will take place on the 30 and 31 May at Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye. The conference will focus on helping aspiring and established community landowners and organisations that work with them to share knowledge and learning.

Keynote speaker: Andrew Thin, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission.

Workshop topics include land buyouts, renewables at the cutting edge, the Crofting Bill and much more.

The first meeting of the Sutherland Monitor Farm will be open to all and free to attend. The event will begin at Brora Scout Hall where Jason will give an overview of Clynelish farm and representatives from QMS and AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds will give an overview of the Monitor Farm programme and how local farmers can get involved. After lunch the group will move to Clynelish farm for a short farm tour and to see the farm's buildings and housed cattle.

Delivered in partnership with Development Trusts Association Scotland, this event will focus on legacy fundraising for development trusts.

The session will be led by Peter Thierfeldt, Fundraising Consultant and Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage Trainer, and will also include information from Peter Littlefield of Turcan Connell.

During the session participants will explore:
• the legacy marketplace
• the legal issues involved
• what a legacy can support
• how to market a legacy campaign

Introduction to Lambing Course

A practical course that will look into all aspects of lambing including:

Preparation for Lambing including ewe nutrition; Lambing Management including disease prevention and control; The mothering ewe including condition scoring; Practical Session including medication administration.

Wellies and Waterproofs essential!

Local Course Director: Janette Sutherland

Email training@crofting.org to book your place!

Bringing Croft Ground Back into Work Course

This course is very practical with a demonstration of Groundclear Ltd Robocut machine to cut brambles, gorse and rushes. Interpreting soil analysis from the croft and lime and fertiliser requirements.  Weed control chemical and mechanical will be discussed.  The grants available for this work will also be covered.

Local Course Director: Janette Sutherland

Email training@crofting.org to book your place!