The event was part of the Social Enterprise World Forum 2018, held in Edinburgh last week, and took place at An Lanntair on Monday 17^th and Talla na Mara on Tuesday 18^th September.

Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the two-day Rural Symposium enabled practitioners and policy-makers to focus on rural social enterprise development.

Delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada and Scotland discussed the challenges and opportunities of building social enterprises in a range of environments across the globe.

Social enterprises operate like most other businesses but have a social and/or environmental purpose at their core; they reinvest all their distributable profit in the pursuit of that purpose.

A range of topics relevant to the Outer Hebrides were discussed and delegates engaged with social enterprises from the islands including Urras nan Tursachan, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn and West Harris Trust to gain an insight into the unique role they have in these communities.

Speakers included Kent Roberts from the Government of Nova Scotia, Canada and Kaye-Maree Dunn from the Maori Women’s Development Agency, New Zealand.

Given the location in the Outer Hebrides, the event focused on themes such as understanding the importance of land and facility ownership and how communities can be empowered and transformed using legislation.

Professor Lorne Crerar, Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said:

“Highlands and Islands Enterprise believes passionately in the role played by social enterprises in strengthening communities, providing local services and creating economic opportunities across our region.

“I am absolutely delighted that such a fantastic range of international visitors have chosen to travel here to share their experience and deepen our knowledge and understanding of social enterprise worldwide.

“It was great to hear their stories, and to use the platform of this symposium to show the world the contribution social enterprises are making to the Outer Hebrides and the wider region.” 

The sector is particularly strong in the Highlands and Islands.

While the region is home to nine per cent (9%) of Scotland’s population, it has 22% of the country’s social enterprises. These contribute more than £130 million to the region’s economy, provide employment for more than 7,000 people and opportunities for 14,000 volunteers.

The Social Enterprise World Forum was organised by Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEIS).

Photo L-R - Kent Roberts; Kenneth Deveau; Corey Jarrett; Rachel Mackenzie (HIE); Lorne Crerar (HIE).