The Scottish Crofting Federation received funding from Highland and Islands Enterprise to run a 9 month project from July 2020 to March 2021.  The aim of the project was to deliver on-line training based on demand-led evidence of need that had arisen as a direct result of COVID19.  Training which would support the promotion of diversified activity for short-term economic recovery, and growth of innovative practice at a very localised community level.

We did what SCF do best, the provision of demand led, non-accredited vocational training.  Demand that allowed us to offer 25 training events, 5 more than originally planned and 243 training places, 43 more than originally planned.  Working with a wonderful group of tutors, course content included – preparing for staycations; virtual sheepdogs; how to start a community food hub; crofting the brand, fantastic food from local producer markets; income from small scale growing, turkey production for Christmas; Instagram marketing for your business; and beekeeping for beginners.

Just a small selection of the fantastic feedback we received: –

 Nice friendly and professional feel to the evening’s online course. Very well chaired and introduced.

The course was really useful, the course for me was to help me decide whether to have bees or not and it is now definitely part of my plan.

Just to say how much we enjoyed it.  My child was glued to the whole thing and can’t wait to find our mentor now!!!

I really enjoyed the course – you said that you are looking for new funding, is there anything one can do to support?

We would like  to thank our funders, HIE and also our wonderful tutors who did a fantastic job – Fiona Campbell (ASSC), The Green Bowl, Braehillor Sheepdog Handler Training, Exclamation Marketing, Russell Smith and Beth Rose, Lucy Beattie, Elchies, Dr Audrey Sinclair and Transition Turriefield.