SCVO & rural communities
SCVO’s Rural Communities Team carries out a programme of policy, information and development work to support and highlight the work of the voluntary sector in rural community development.
Rural Scotland Key Facts
- Just over 5 million people live in Scotland, including over 1 million in rural areas.
- More people volunteer in rural Scotland than the rest of Scotland.
- There are a higher proportion of voluntary organisations in rural Scotland per head of population.
- Voluntary sector services are particularly important in rural areas where public and private services are patchy or non-existent.
Rural Information Service
The Rural Information Service helps rural voluntary groups with information and support on a wide range of subjects including fundraising, governance and regulation.
Contact: Sandra.hogg@scvo.org.uk or 01463 251729
Rural Direct
Rural Direct is a service designed to help rural community organisations to access funding from a range of sources including the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Rural Direct is a national service delivered locally.
Scotland National Rural Network
The Scottish National Rural Network has been developed by the Scottish Government to help connect rural Scotland and support rural development. SCVO provides the content and editorial management for the Scotland National Rural Network website and runs the Regional Coordination Service. We also support the national events element of the SNRN. Visit the Scotland National Rural Network for more information.
Village Halls
The Village Halls website is a one stop shop for news, information and networking for anyone involved in managing a village hall or community building in Scotland.
KeyStone is a quality awards scheme for the people who manage village halls and community buildings. It provides information, support and encouragement to help build a quality approach to management and recognises this through progressive awards.
The Highlands & Islands Equality Forum
The Highlands & Islands Equality Forum is a project to raise awareness of Equality issues in the Highlands & Islands. The team is your first point of contact for any questions, advice, information and training.
We’re here to help you understand the responsibilities we all share to make the Highlands & Islands a good place in which to live and work.
The Scottish Rural Equality Network (SREN)
SREN is a sister project to HIEF, which connects over 1500 network members who have an interest in the particular challenges faced by equality groups and individuals in rural areas. SREN members share information and learning which can be used with local stakeholders to work towards more inclusive communities. www.scvo.org.uk/srenonline
Rural Policy
SCVO’s Rural Team carries out policy, information and development work to support and highlight the work of the voluntary sector in Scotland’s rural communities. Find out more about our policy work here.