Community groups to gather at Highland event

Volunteers, boards, and development workers at the heart of community-led development across Scotland will gather in the Highlands in May to share grass roots experiences of economic and social growth.

The theme of the event is 'Ionnsachaidh a ‘tighinn le deasbad', 'Learning and Growing Together'. The event builds on the inaugural event in September 2017, and the content has been designed based on the feedback from the 250 delegates who attended.

Douglas Cowan, HIE’s strengthening communities director, said: “We’ve asked community groups what they think the hot topics are. The event will provide key expert advice, inspirational stories from rural and urban development, and lots of opportunities to learn from each other on communities’ role in delivering economic growth and combating inequality.”

Practical workshop sessions will bring together policy makers and community leaders to explore:

• Enterprising Approaches to Community Development
• Striking the Balance in Social Enterprise (Financial and Social Purpose)
• Innovative Financing and Succession Planning
• Culture, Heritage and Language as an Asset
• Future of Community Energy
• Increasing Rural Housing
• Owning Community Assets
• Rural Services (Childcare and Adult Care, Banking, Credit Unions etc)
• Growing the Rural Economy
• Community Development

The event plans to showcase international as well as Scottish examples. And there will also be a ‘marketplace’ of support organisations who can offer advice and help to community groups.

The event webpage is www.hie.co.uk/sccs19 and the booking for places will open in early March.