Making new connections at Rural Network event in Kelso
Tuesday, February 2 2010
The new Scottish National Rural Network comes to the Borders on Tuesday 16 February, with a ‘rural gathering’ in Kelso.
The event aims to help rural businesses and organisations make new connections between people living and working in the Borders and the rest of rural Scotland.
The free event is part of a rolling programme of regional events taking place over the next six months across Scotland, following the successful Scottish Rural Gathering held in Perth in September 2009.
It will feature information updates on rural funding opportunities as well as networking sessions to help organisations and businesses make new connections and share information and advice.
Several local projects will be highlighted on the day, including Scottish Borders Food Network and Tweed Valley Tourist Consortium, which have received funding and support from LEADER, as well as local farm and rural businesses which have benefited from funding from the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).
There will also be a presentation from the Fintry Development Trust from Stirlingshire, which has successfully developed a number of projects to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable technology.
Rural Network Regional Co-ordinator Beverley Maclean said: “This will be the fifth event in our busy schedule and we’re hoping it will be the best yet. Previous events have been highly rated by businesses and organisations who attended, and we are confident that everyone who comes to the Kelso event will find it worthwhile.”
The event is being chaired by Bryan McGrath, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration at Scottish Borders Council. He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to look at local successes and to consider the opportunities and challenges ahead. I would encourage everyone with an interest in development of the rural economy and our rural communities to attend this event, which will be making use of the impressive venue and facilities at Border Union Showground.”
To book a place, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/C8HHLZ6 or telephone 01463 251723.
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, including LEADER and Rural Priorities, and aims to raise awareness of the opportunities offered by the SRDP.
As well as the Rural Gathering, the new network is supported at a national level by the Scotland National Rural Network website (www.ruralgateway.org.uk), 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.
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