Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Do you have a successful village business? Would you like to share your expertise with others?

If so, the BBC would love to hear from you. They are seeking village champions to work with the six villages that will be chosen for their BBC1 Village SOS series that will be shown in winter 2010.

The BBC will be working with The Big Lottery Fund to create businesses that will be sustainable and breathe life into six rural communities nationwide. To be eligible, villages should have a population of under 3,000 and an idea of a business that could bring benefits to the community.The Village Champions will be business people who have the knowledge and experience to make these rural businesses work.

Any kind of voluntary or community group from a local festival committee to a village history society can apply. If there is no suitable organisation in the village already, then a group of like-minded people can apply through a newly formed village group.

There will be three villages chosen from England and one each in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Information on how to apply can be found on the Big Lottery website and applications need to be returned by noon on 14 August 2009. For further details phone 0844 88 88 677 or email general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk

Previously on the Rural Network

New Village SOS fund to revive rural communities