Making new connections is
the aim at Rural Network event
The new Scottish National Rural Network comes to the Outer Hebrides on Tuesday 16th March, with a ‘rural gathering’ in the Berneray Community Centre, aimed at making new connections between people who live and work in the Outer Hebrides and other rural areas in Scotland.
The free event is part of a rolling programme of regional events taking place until the end of May across Scotland, following on from the successful Scottish Rural Gathering in Perth in September 2009. It will feature information updates on rural development and funding opportunities as well as networking sessions to help organisations and businesses make new connections and share information and advice.
Several innovative projects will be highlighted on the day, both local and national, with opportunities for questions from the floor. Exhibition space will also be available for projects to highlight their activities and here will be a strong emphasis on networking and the sharing of best practice.
The Scottish National Rural Network is a major initiative supported by the Scottish Government which aims to build connections across rural Scotland and to promote economic and community development. The initiative is closely linked with the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP), including LEADER and Rural Priorities, and aims to raise awareness of the opportunities offered by the programme.
As well as the Rural Gathering, the new network is supported at a national level by the Scotland National Rural Network website, which carries news, information and networking opportunities for everyone living and working in rural Scotland. The Rural Network website and regional events are run by the Rural Team of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Rural Network Regional Co-ordinator Beverley Maclean said: ‘We’re looking forward to visiting the Outer Hebrides for the ninth event in our busy schedule. Apart from a few problems with the harsh winter weather, previous events have been very highly rated by people who attended, and we are confident that everyone who comes to the event in Berneray will find it worthwhile and enjoyable.
‘People attending this local rural gathering will have the chance to find out the latest news about rural development and funding opportunities, to hear about some excellent projects and enterprises from the Outer Hebrides and beyond, and to connect with a wide range of other people who live and work in this area and elsewhere.’
Further information and booking forms will be circulated to local contacts shortly.
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