Rural Community Gateway

Elanor Gordon answers the Rural Gateway's questions about the project she co-ordinates:

What's your project?

The project is a one-stop shop for all Highland schools to learn about living sustainably in fun, hands-on ways. We provide resources, support, teacher training, school workshops and signposting for teachers and pupils to engage with the issues of sustainability, such as use of the earth's resources, and caring about and protecting the earth's natural habitat. Photo of a trip to Dunrobin Castle courtesy of CSV Action 4 Sustainability.

Where is it?

Our office is in Dingwall, but we serve the whole of the Highland Council area.

Who's involved?

The project is delivered by the project coordinator (myself). Besides providing the service outlined above, my role is effectively like a 'sustainability broker': to link schools up with other organisations who can deliver the type of sustainability activity the school requires. We work closely with organisations such as WWF, Eco Schools Scotland, BTCV, private and community organisations such as Aigas Field Centre, Abriachan Community Forest, Glachbeg Centre, GREAN and Moray Wastebusters, as well as Highland Council's Ranger Service, Waste Management Team, Community Works Officers and Community Learning Service, amongst others.

What is it aiming to do?

The project is aiming to give young people the knowledge, to inspire and enthuse them to be active members of their communities and to actively care about their environment.

How is it funded?

The project is funded by grants from the Scottish Executive's Sustainable Action Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage, and both financially and 'in kind' by the Highland Council Education Department. When is it funded to?

The project has full funding till the end of 2007.

Biggest achievement so far?

We've worked with over 800 children in one year on lots of different project activities. Our newsletters have been praised for communicating what we're about very well. And, there's been almost double the number of schools in Highland registered for Eco Schools since the project has been promoting it.

Any downsides so far?

Not enough hours in the day; we could do with another three of me, as well the money to pay three more of me! Any offers?

Any advice needed from Rural Gateway users?

If you know anyone that offers workshops or services to schools either as an individual or as part of an organisation in subjects that are to do with sustainability, we'd like to know about it - this could be any subject from solar energy projects, organic veg. growing, to willow weaving - we need to know about them. Or even pots of money for schools or educational projects.

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