Welcome to the October 2008 newsletter

(by Tamsin Morris, published Wednesday, 22 October 2008 07:34)

Hello and welcome. Firstly, thanks for registering with the new-look Scottish Community Land Network. We hope you'll find the website useful and that you'll take the time to have a look around at some of the new features. This newsletter (and subsequent ones) is a digest of all the activity on the website in the past month, so it includes articles published on the site as well as a summary of what's going on in the forum.

This time round I've tried to keep the articles short, but to give links to where you'll find more information. Any feedback is welcome - either on the website (you can post a comment about an article by clicking the 'discuss' button at the bottom of the article) or you can send me a private message on the website if you prefer. And if you spot any typos it's because my fingers are starting to freeze to the keyboard - winter has definitely arrived here in rural Aberdeenshire. We'll be posting more articles as the weeks go on, so to stay up to date you can check the website, or you can wait for the monthly digest to arrive in your in-box.

You might want to write an article yourself, about your community land initiative, or about your organisation (we'll obviously have to be careful that we're not providing free advertising to anyone!). If so, we can set you up to have access to the website (but not enough to break anything!) or you can email articles directly.

Thanks to those of you who've filled in details on your personal profiles. We hope this will help the network become a more effective way for people to communicate with each other, so please take the time to tell us a bit about yourselves. And go on, put a picture up too, you know you want to! I've even put mine up, so you can have a laugh - although the joke about which one is me has already been made!

So, here's to a productive network, full of happy, smiling community land people! And hopefully no Halloween ghouls putting a spanner in our electronic works.....

Best wishes,

Tamsin Morris & Chris York,
Walking-the-Talk

New proposals for crofting communities

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:47)

Back in May 2008, the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting, chaired by Professor Shucksmith, presented their final report to Michael Russell, Minister for Environment. The report included a host of recommendations, some more radical than others.

The Minister has now issued a response to that report, in the form of new proposals aimed at developing crofting communities. Amongst the proposals is a plan to reconstitute the Crofters Commission with up to six area committees that will include crofters elected by crofters and to make Highlands and Islands Enterprise the lead organisation for the development of crofting communities. The proposals will be included in a draft crofting bill with public consultation on the new legislation planned for next spring.

The inquiry report can be found here: http://www.croftinginquiry.org/Documents/final-report and more detail on the Environment Minister's proposals can be found here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/10/01145359

Hydrogen power for the Northern Lights?

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:42)

OK, so they're not really powering the Northern Lights, but the Pure Energy Centre in Shetland is developing at a rate of knots. The PURE (Promoting Unst Renewable Energy) project was a demonstration project set up by the Unst Partnership to establish whether wind power and hydrogen technology could be combined to provide electricity and heat for a local industrial estate.

When there's sufficient wind, turbines convert it into electrical power and the excess energy is used to create hydrogen. The hydrogen is then stored in tanks and when the wind drops, it's used to produce electricity, as well as powering a fuel cell vehicle. Now the Pure Energy Centre has developed from the project and is providing advice on renewable technologies around the world as well as bringing business and jobs to this northern isle.

More information on the PURE project can be found at: http://www.pure.shetland.co.uk/html/pure_project1.html

Launch of Community Energy Scotland

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 15:57)

A new charity, Community Energy Scotland, was recently launched at the Scottish Parliament. It's developed from the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company (HICEC) but plans to cover the whole of Scotland by 2009.

The charity will actively support and fund community groups throughout Scotland to develop sustainable energy projects and will be building up a network of community members to share knowledge and experience. Presentations at the launch were given by a range of community groups who've developed their own renewable energy projects, including the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust and the Knoydart Foundation.

Membership is open to all community groups and further details can be found on the Community Energy Scotland website: http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/index.asp

Small Scale Energy Conference & Exhibition – Heat and Power for the Future

(by Chris York, published Tuesday, 14 October 2008 00:00)

Green energy trade body Scottish Renewables will hold a major conference in Aviemore on October 29-30 focusing on how small-scale renewable technologies can help meet Scotland's heating needs.

The event, which includes an exhibition and takes place at the MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort, will look at how the current technology can be used for new and existing residential and commercial properties. More information on the programme can be viewed HERE >>>

Community Woodlands Association Annual Conference

(by Tamsin Morris, published Monday, 13 October 2008 09:00)

The Community Woodlands Association (CWA) conference will take place on November 8^th and 9^th at Rothes Hall in Fife.

Under the title of ‘Making sustainable places’ it includes a keynote speech from broadcaster Lesley Riddoch as well as workshops and talks on a range of topics including funding, transition towns, woodfuel and the media.There’s an opportunity to take part in field trips to some local sites as well as the all important conference dinner and ceilidh in the evening.  Primarily aimed at members of community woodland groups, the conference is free for full CWA members.

Linked to the conference is a one day seminar on November 7^th, called ‘Green networks, empowered communities'. The seminar is aimed at professionals working to support the development of community woodland groups and will focus on community involvement in urban woodland management. Further information on both the conference and the seminar can be found at http://www.communitywoods.org/index.php/events/

Climate challenge fund announces first awards

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:55)

Mid-September saw the announcement of the first successful applications to the Scottish Government's Climate challenge fund. Established earlier this year, the fund aims to help communities with actions that will significantly reduce their carbon emissions.

In this round, awards were made to a range of organisations, including £67,451 to Fintry Development Trust in Stirlingshire for their community energy project and £20,000 to Badenoch and Strathspey Community Transport Company for rural community use of a locally sustainably-powered electric vehicle.

The fund is expected to have a total resource of £27m over the three years from 2008 to 2011 and applications will be reviewed by an assessment committee three times a year. Requirements for applying to the fund include the involvement of a community at the heart of decision making in the project and a focus on achieving significant reductions in emissions.There's no minimum grant and match funding isn't specifically required, although jointly funded projects are welcomed.

The grant scheme is administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful and further details, including an application form can be found here: http://www.infoscotland.com/ourfuture/65.html

Scotland’s hills and islands – where next?

(by Tamsin Morris, published Monday, 13 October 2008 16:30)

In September, the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Committee of Inquiry into the future of Scotland’s hills and islands published their report. 

It included over sixty recommendations on a range of rural issues, such as changes to the Scotland Rural Development Programme; a new rationale for the future of post offices; increased broadband access in rural areas and more government support for the development of local community leadership.  Perhaps most controversially, it also rejected the UK government view on the future of farm support.  Inquiry Chairman, Professor Gavin McCrone said, "This independent inquiry arose from concerns at the decline in hill and island agriculture and the possible impact on rural communities. We reject the UK Government’s proposals to end direct support when the Common Agricultural Policy is reviewed in 2013. This would have a very damaging effect on natural heritage and on agriculture in the hills and islands and accelerate the present decline.’  But the next steps remain to be seen – will this report be heard and what action can we expect to see as a result of its recommendations? 

For a copy of the full report, or the shorter summary version, go to http://www.rse.org.uk/enquiries/hill_and_island_areas/index.htm

West Harris residents vote…..

(by Chris York, published Friday, 10 October 2008 00:00)

In a postal vote with an impressive 95% turnout, the residents of three crofting communities on West Harris have voted to buy out their crofting estates.

Tenants in the townships of Luskentyre, Scarista Mhor and Borve, which includes the villages of Seilibost and Horgabost, voted to proceed with what will be the first community buyout of a government owned estate. Based on the 77% vote in favour of a buy-out, the steering group will now establish a formal trust to begin negotiations with the Scottish Government.

A feasibility study has already been completed looking at options for regenerating the community within the area. Options suggested so far have included the development of a renewable energy scheme, barley production for distilleries, house building and other ideas to help revive the area.

Further details on progress will follow, we hope!

What’s the future for hill farming?

(by Tamsin Morris, published Friday, 10 October 2008 00:00)

The Scottish Government recently published a consultation on the future for the Less Favoured Areas (LFA) Support Scheme for 2010 to 2013.

The ‘Less Favoured Area’ designation covers over 85% of agricultural land in Scotland and provides support of approximately £61 million a year to over 12,500 farming and crofting businesses. The consultation paper sets out options for an interim LFA support scheme for 2010-13, as well as seeking views on responses to possible future changes to European regulations. Behind it is the need to sustain farming and crofting activity whilst at the same time ensuring environmental and public benefits as well as value for money. The closing date for responses is December 19, 2008.

A copy of the full consultation paper can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/17083528/0

MP’s review recognises the benefits of Community Land Trusts

(by Tamsin Morris, published Thursday, 14 August 2008 17:41)

The Matthew Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing, commissioned by Gordon Brown, recommends the government prepare for increased interest in Community Land Trusts as a mechanism for delivering affordable housing.

Matthew Taylor, MP for Truro and St Austell and the Liberal Democrat's Shadow Chancellor, has recently published a review of rural economy and affordable housing, entitled Living Working Countryside. In it, he spells out his vision for addressing many of the affordability issues associated with rural housing. He makes a number of recommendations for future actions, including the government anticipating likely future interest in Community Land Trusts (CLTs) as a model for affordable housing delivery. He also suggests the government should draw up guidance on how best to implement the CLT model, without removing the flexibility that is so important if they are to be responsive to the needs of particular areas.
The full review can be accessed by clicking here

John Muir Trust launches its ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Communities’ project

(by Tamsin Morris, published Thursday, 14 August 2008 17:35)

The John Muir Trust has launched a climate change and sustainable communities project, focused on helping people in Scotland’s remote areas to become less dependent on fossil fuels.

The project will draw together experiences from communities like those in Knoydart and the Isle of Eigg, which have made significant steps forward in preparing for a low carbon future. The three year project will also look at community experiences in promoting energy efficiency measures in combination with sourcing renewable fuel technologies. The Trust hopes to host a conference in the autumn for remote communities to share stories and prepare action plans for the way forward.

Further information can be obtained from Fran Loots, project officer with the John Muir Trust, or on their website.

Good practice in rural community development

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 17:13)

The Development Trusts Association annual conference in Leeds provided the ideal launch for their latest research report: ‘Bearing Fruit: Good Practice in Asset-Based Rural Community Development'.

The report includes an analysis of seven rural development trusts, focusing on what's worked well for them over the past few years. Although all the trusts are based in England, the report looks at some of the specific attributes that can make for a successful project, both in terms of people and actions. The information gathered on each trust provides a set of case studies showing how these organisations have dealt with the various opportunities and challenges they've faced. The report summarises the case studies by drawing together a list of 10 specific characteristics of successful initiatives.

A full copy of the report can be downloaded from http://rural.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/publications

Rural Leadership programme seeks applicants

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:26)

Scottish Enterprise, in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, are just about to begin another session of the Rural Leadership programme.

The programme aims to help rural business personnel become more effective and successful leaders and is taught in a series of single and two day residential modules. Topics covered include effective communication, the background of rural Scotland, attributes of a leader and the wider political landscape, including visits to Holyrood, Westminster and Brussels. Recruitment is taking place right now, with the first module starting in a few weeks, so anyone interested in participating should register an interest as quickly as possible. Participants need to contribute £600 towards the cost of running the programme.

Further information can be found at: http://www.smithsgore.co.uk/public_html/site/news/detail.php?id=531

WANTED: Knowledge and Skills to pass on

(by landgirl, published Tuesday, 16 September 2008 14:19)

Do you have skills you would like to pass on to others in the community land sector? The Community Woodland Association is looking for individuals involved in community groups keen to take part in a Train the Trainer course running this October. You do not have to be a woodland group or member of CWA to take part.

Cost £30.

For more information email diane@communitywoods.org, telephone 01854 613737 or visit the Community Woodlands Association website.

New training for community asset managers

(by landgirl, published Monday, 15 September 2008 12:16)

HIE’s Community Land Unit is organising a series of ten Mind Your Own Business training events across the country for groups involved in the management of land and other community-owned assets.

The courses, which are free of charge to eligible participants, have been designed and developed by training providers Comas who will be working closely with local groups to develop a day’s training suited to the needs of community groups.

VAT seminar and surgery in Aviemore

(by Community Land, published Monday, 15 September 2008 10:05)

Value Added Tax – seminar and surgery Thursday 13^th November

Specialists in providing VAT advice to the community sector Deloittes are providing a free introduction and advice session on VAT issues for members of community sector networks.

Registration 9:45am for 10:00 start – close and lunch 13.00pm

Venue: Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore

The event is being organised and run by DTA Scotland and CRNS. Delegates will find out which factors determine eligibility for VAT registration and what they need to be aware of in order to maximise their VAT position. The morning will begin with a presentation covering the following topics:

The Rum story rolls on....

(by Tamsin Morris, published Monday, 18 August 2008 14:43)

The Rum Task Group was set up by Mike Russell, Minister for the Environment, to consider actions that would support the development of a dynamic community on Rum.  The group has already reported to the Minister once and aims to complete its recommendations on the way forward by the end of 2008.

The island of Rum has been in the ownership of government conservation organisations since 1957.  It has a population of only 31, most of whom work for Scottish Natural Heritage, making it hard for an independent community to develop on the island.  In late 2007, Mike Russell, minister for the environment convened the Rum Summit, which looked at possible ways to develop the island.  From that meeting, the Rum Task Group was established ‘to identify and facilitate actions in support of the development of a dynamic community on Rum which is not solely dependent on SNH.’  The group is chaired by the broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and their June 2008 update highlighted the work they’ve already done.  This has included the establishment of the Isle of Rum Community Trust, the recruitment of a development manager to work with the community; an application to the Crofters Commission for the designation of crafting land on the island and ongoing work with SNH to establish the extent of property that could eventually be transferred to the community.

More information on the work of the Rum Task Group can be found at www.isleofrum.com

Midmar community achieve Right To Buy for village pub

(by Tamsin Morris, published Friday, 08 August 2008 00:00)

The community of Midmar in Aberdeenshire have successfully registered a Right to Buy (RTB) for their village pub – the Midmar Inn. The pub ceased trading in September 2007 and the building is now the subject of a planning application for conversion to a house.

The Friends of Midmar Inn Community Company was formed to take forward the RTB registration after the surprise closure of the pub in September 2007. Ministers agreed that the reinstatement of the pub would serve public interest and contribute to community well-being.

Four new Local Action Groups to distribute LEADER funding

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:33)

Four new Local Action Groups (LAGs) have been awarded funding to distribute as part of the LEADER process, bringing the total number of LAGs in Scotland to twenty. The new LAGs are in Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Moray and Renfrewshire and between them they'll have approximately £5million to distribute to projects that help revitalise and empower rural communities.

Part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme, LEADER (and if, like me, you've always wondered what it stands for, it's Liaison Entre Actions de Développement Economique Rurale or, in English, links between activities developing the rural economy) funds are initially distributed to LAGs, which then make decisions as to how to further distribute the money within their local area.

Each LAG is a partnership of local development partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors. Between them, the twenty LAGs now cover 95% of rural Scotland and should be able to draw down just under £40 million of funds.

Further information on LEADER and contact details for all LAGs can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Rural/SRDP/LEADER

Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneur Awards

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:25)

Two social entrepreneur awards are being offered to not-for-profit organisations whose primary purpose is to support an issue of public interest or to further social / environmental goals.

The awards can be in the form of an interest free loan or a smaller donation, depending on the circumstances of the individual winners. Mentoring and publicity will also be available for the winning organisations. Applications need to show how the organisation has been funded to date, its future strategy and plans and why the organisation is acting in an entrepreneurial manner. The closing date for entries is 23rd February 2009 and further information can be found here: http://entrepreneurs.bankofscotland.co.uk/social/index.html?affilate=socialEC_DM-Press

SRDP newsletter for October 2008

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 15:47)

The Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) website now contains a link to the October newsletter for the programme.

It's definitely short and sweet and only contains a list of the funding awarded at the inaugural August meeting of the Regional Proposal Assessment Committees.  However, for those thinking of applying to the Rural Priorities scheme, it makes interesting reading.

The newsletter can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Rural/SRDP/SRDPNews/October2008/OctoberNewsletter

Funding for female friendly projects

(by Tamsin Morris, published Friday, 10 October 2008 00:00)

The Women's Fund for Scotland is looking to distribute awards of up to £5,000 to projects which support and empower women.

Eligible applicants need to be constituted groups, with an annual income of less than £250,000. The grants are available for support / empowerment projects as well as for funding organisations which are run predominantly by and for women. You’ll need to be quick though, the deadline for all applications is 12 December 2008. Further information can be found at the Scottish Community Foundation's website www.scottishcf.org/grantsforwomen

Communities on the edge conference

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:51)

Billed as an event for the landowning sector, the Communities on the Edge conference will take place at Floors Castle near Kelso on November 18th.

Publicity for the event says it hopes to bring together landowners from across the UK to share ideas and best practice and to consider how to add value to rural assets and sustain communities.

Speakers include Dame Barbara Kelly, president of the Southern Uplands Partnership; Michael Russell MSP, minister for environment and Chris Gregory, agent for the Duchy of Cornwall. There are a range of workshops on offer during the day, looking at topics such as local produce, energy security and community engagement. Further details on the event can be found here: http://www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/files/main/COTE%20Floors%20Event%20Programme%20and%20Booking%20Form.pdf

Scottish Outdoor Access Fair

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:40)

The second Scottish Outdoor Access Fair will be held in the Bell's Sports Centre in Perth on November 21st.  There'll be a range of talks and seminars and the event will bring together access professionals and those supplying services to the access sector.  Further information can be found here:  http://www.scottishcountrynet.org/conference1.htm

Rural social enterprise conference 2008

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:18)

Enterprise for Empowerment, a conference for those involved in rural social enterprises, takes place in Crewe on November 26th and 27th.  Organised by the Plunkett Foundation, an educational charity which supports the development of rural group enterprise, the conference will include an address from Matthew Taylor MP, author of the recent government commissioned review of rural economy.  Other speakers include the chief executive of the Charity Bank (surely a topical speaker right now!) and the chair of Social Enterprise North West.  The conference should be relevant to anyone with an interest in the development of social enterprise in rural areas.   Further details on how to book, including reduced fees until the end of October can be found here:  http://www.plunkett.co.uk/framesets/index_news.html

Social Audit Network Annual Conference

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:16)

The Social Audit Network (SAN) will be holding their annual conference in Edinburgh on November 7th.  As well as presentations on the future of social auditing they'll be launching a report from the Social Accounting and Audit Research Project.  There'll also be a series of workshops looking at topics like how to promote social auditing, audit practice and a discussion of some people's experience with the process.  Further information can be found here:  http://www.socialauditnetwork.org.uk/PAGE1.htm

Micro-hydro power seminar - October 29th

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:11)

The CIFAL centre (CIFAL stands for International Training Centre for Local Authorities, but in French!) at Findhorn will be holding a one day seminar on exploring the possibilities for micro-hydro power generation.  The event will take place on October 29th, from 9 till 5 and will include an opportunity to visit a micro-hydro installation site.  There'll also be a chance to speak to operators and installers about how to use the technology.  Further information on the event can be found here:  http://www.cifalfindhorn.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=42

Wood fuel expo 2009

(by Tamsin Morris, published Tuesday, 21 October 2008 15:48)

The UK's first wood fuel expo, Ignition09, will be taking place on March 8th and 9th, 2009 in Tyneside.  The exhibition will provide networking opportunities for organisations involved in the wood fuel supply chain as well as a chance to find out more about how woodfuel can be used to benefit businesses.  It'll include exhibitions from installers, consultants and suppliers from across the UK and Europe as well as lectures and practical workshops.  For further information on this free event, or to find out about exhibition space, see www.ignition09.co.uk.

Sustainable Development Research Centre Annual Conference

(by Tamsin Morris, published Friday, 10 October 2008 00:00)

The Sustainable Development Research Centre (SDRC), based in Moray, will be holding its fifth annual conference in Inverness on the 12^th and 13^th of November.

Entitled ‘Sustainability – creating the culture’ the conference will feature a range of speakers including staff from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the John Muir Trust as well as academics from Scottish, UK and international universities. The conference focuses on three main themes within sustainability - sustainable development governance; sustainable communities and sustainable businesses.

A full conference programme can be found at http://www.sustainableresearch.com/knowledge/conferences.htm, which includes information on how to book a place.