Rural Community Gateway

Despite this, the conference was an outstanding success and the theme, Assisting and Developing Voluntary Effort, allowed delegates to review their own activities and find out more about how to support their volunteers and manage their effort.

The Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather, was unable to attend due to parliamentary business but his keynote speech was recorded on CD and broadcast to the conference. We will bring you this as the first U-tube video clip for the Rural Gateway.

The conference also considered the Final Report of the Carnegie Commission for Rural Development, volunteering in the Highlands and Islands and opportunities for groups to benefit from Project Scotland volunteers. Mags McSporran of Highlands and Islands Enterprise urged delegates to grasp the opportunities presented by our wealthier neighbours in Scandinavia, Iceland and Ireland.

A highly entertaining tour around the islands led by local man Willie Douglas highlighted the energy and enthusiasm of the community to make the best of their islands. Barra and Vatersay Community Ltd are developing several projects including community wind energy, erosion control, harbour development, community gardens (the Beechgrove Garden were filming at the Day Care centre!) and heritage exhibitions.

An Initiative at the Edge conference wouldn’t be complete without great hospitality from village halls. Delegates were treated to fabulous food and dancing at Northbay and Vatersay halls which included an introduction to the quirks of dancing Barra style and the quality music of the Vatersay Boys.

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