Scotland: National Rural Network
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Should renewables be the top priority for rural Scotland? Or maybe it should be affordable housing? Or would you like to see better transport links? Six consultation questions have been added to the Speak Up for Rural Scotland consultation on the Rural Network website. Speak Up for Rural Scotland includes 37 proposed Step Changes from the Rural Development Council covering a whole range of rural issues from ferry fares to land management. The Scottish Government wants to know what Step Changes you would give priority to. You can have your say by adding your comments on the Speak Up for Rural Scotland consultation.
There is still time to register your interest for the EU Rural Cooperation Fair taking place on 23d and 24th September at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. The event will be a great chance to meet people living and working in rural communities across Europe. There will be many opportunities, both formal and informal, for networking, sharing experience and knowledge and identifying possible cooperation projects. If you are interested in attending email EUruralfair@scvo.org.uk. You can find out more in Major EU rural event coming to Scotland.
The Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is closing due to unprecedented demand, the Scottish Government announced this week. The fund helps community groups to invest in renewable technologies such as biomass, wind turbines and solar panels. The announcement only impacts on new applications. Find out more in Community Renewables Fund closing to new applicants.
Forestry Commission Scotland have launched a pilot project that will see them working in partnership with farmers to create new woodlands. The Forestry Commission will lease suitable land from farmers for around ten years and then return the land to the farmer. You can find out more in Pilot project to create new woodlands.
Two beaver kits have been born as part of the Scottish Beaver Trial, a five year trial reintroduction of the mammals in Knapdale, mid-Argyll. You can find out more, and see some pictures of the new additions, in Beaver kits born in Argyll.
Scientists at the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews are investigating a series of mysterious seal deaths. Thirty-three seals have been washed ashore on the east coast of Scotland and England with unusual injuries which are not consistent with known causes such as fishing nets or boat propellers. The Sea Mammal Research Unit are welcoming reports of seal deaths from the public. You can find out more in Scientists investigate mysterious seal deaths.
The Scottish Government has announced that hot branding of horses and ponies will be banned. Currently hot branding can only be carried out where specific permission is given but no more authorisations are to be granted. You can get more information in Hot branding of horses banned.
A free workshop aimed at women considering setting up a consultancy in science, engineering, technology or the built environment will take place in Inverness on 2nd September. Travel and care expenses can be provided to enable participants to attend. You can find out more in our Events Calendar.
Duncan MacInnes, a director of the Sleat Community Trust, is currently on a wild swimming challenge to swim in 60 of Sleat's lochs to raise £6000. He says its no namby pamby venture with wet suits! We wish Duncan good luck swimming the remaining lochs! You can find out more in Great Sleat Swim underway.
On 26th September, a fundraising Celebration of Life Fair will take place in the Portree Community Centre. A wide range of local producers will be setting up stall and there will also be the chance to indulge in a mini massage, reflexology or reiki treatment. You can find out more in our Events Calendar.
Our Blog of the Week is Wildlife Watch Scotland. This is the official blog of Wild Scotland, the country's wildlife tourism association. Recent subjects have included otters, Ardnamurchan Charters and hen harriers. If you write a rural blog and would like to feature in our Blogs section, send a link to editor@ruralgateway.org.uk.
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