The Port Ellen Filling Station on the Isle of Islay is celebrating its 10th anniversary since being acquired by the South Islay Trading Company (SITCo), a trading arm of the South Islay Development (SID) charity. Serving as the only fuel provider in South Islay, the station has been a crucial asset for the local community Read more…
“Never Lost in Translation”: FCA Association Eliminating Social Isolation in rural Scotland
The Foreign Communities of Alba Association (FCA Association) is a charity in Scotland’s West Lothian, Falkirk, and North Lanarkshire councils. Founded in 2023, it aims to combat social isolation through sports and recreation. The FCA Association regularly offers a variety of activities, including football training sessions, hiking events, mental health workshops, and Read more…
Heart of The Community: Village Halls Conference
The village halls are a key place of activity for communities to gather, learn, access services, and have fun. This is also where new connections are born, bonds are made, and trust is built. It is not wrong to think that village halls are the heart of the community. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Read more…
Art of Hosting at The Living Well Programme
In early June, some folks who are living and working in Argyll gathered at the Barmolloch Farm, responding to a call from the Living Well programme board. The aim was to address major issues affecting Scotland’s rural and island communities. The key questions they explored were: How can we work together to meet the Read more…
Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto
Shape the future of rural social enterprise! Take the Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto survey today and enter the draw to win 1 of 5 online tickets to SEWF25. The survey is available in 74 languages. Born out of the SEWF22 Rural Gathering hosted by @The Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) and @Social Enterprise Read more…
Funding Futures Programme
Calling all young social entrepreneurs, disruptors and changemakers! If you’re aged 16-30 with ideas to tackle financial exclusion in your community, this opportunity could be for you. The Funding Futures Programme will help young people turn their ideas into reality. Alongside funding, here’s what else to expect: Resources to strengthen your financial Read more…
Future Routes Fund 2024
Heads up!! If you have a great idea on your mind to help young people connect with nature and take action for biodiversity and the climate, applications for The Future Routes Fund are open now. The Future Routes Fund is created by and for young people, supporting projects led by individuals aged 11-26. The aim Read more…
£5 million for the island communities of Scotland
Funds to invest in local infrastructure and fight increasing costs. John Swinney, First Minister, will announce a package of £5 million for the island communities in Scotland while visiting the Shetland. The funding is intended to support the island communities to help combat local issues and create more opportunities for a sustainable future. The First Read more…
Social Enterprise Census 2024
Take Part in the 2024 Social Enterprise Census! The Scottish Government’s Social Enterprise Census is now live, offering a comprehensive account of social enterprise activity in Scotland. If your organisation has social or environmental goals and generates income through contracts or fees, please participate! Whether you’re running a community business, providing arts activities, managing Read more…
Community Energy Generation Growth Fund
£1.5 million for Community Energy Projects A new £1.5 million fund is available to help community groups in Scotland start renewable energy projects, like wind turbines, solar panels, and hydro power. These projects can help local communities by reducing energy costs and allowing them to sell any extra energy they produce. This fund is part Read more…
Efficient Email Practices for Leaders: Tips to Stay Organized and Balanced
Managing emails can be a daunting task, especially for leaders juggling numerous responsibilities. Finding a balance between staying responsive and not getting overwhelmed is crucial. Here are some practical tips to help leaders manage their email communication more effectively, ensuring they remain productive and balanced. Click the link below to read the full article and Read more…
Towards a Sustainable Third Sector: A follow up on The Third Sector Grind
Fill Your Cup First – Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
“YOU CAN’T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP” As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It is important that we fill our cup first, especially when working in the third sector. Inspiralba and the Social Action Inquiry worked together last year to carry out a study that focused on both advantages Read more…
Climate Action Towns – Learnings from the Architecture & Design Scotland’s project
Climate Action Towns – Sharing the Learning Climate Action Towns Report- How to embed Climate Actions in your place This report summarises key learning from Climate Action towns, introduces the five ingredients for Place-Based Climate Action while sharing the activities in a case study from each of the 9 Climate Action Towns. https://www.ads.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-03/Learningfromtheclimateactiontowns-report-2024.pdf Read more…