Rural Services: Making it Happen

First Scottish Rural Services Annual Conference The Highland Council, Inverness 3 – 4 September 2001 Conference Report Produced by Glenaffric Ltd November 2001

Glenaffric Ltd eLearning Consultants 14 Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, IV63 6UW Tel: 01456 459106 Fax: 0870 052 9151 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.glenaffric.com

Contents Introduction...... 4 Conference Programme...... 4 Keynote Speech...... 5 An International Perspective...... 8 Targeting the Community Fund at Rural Areas...... 13 Workshop 1: Cross-cutting themes ...... 16 Workshop 2: Service-specific themes ...... 19 SCVO Presentation – workwithus.org ...... 21 Question Time Panel Discussion ...... 21 Conclusion ...... 22 Summary...... 22 Conference Visits...... 23 Visit 1 – Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit ...... 23 Visit 2 – Inverness and Nairn...... 23 Appendix I – Delegate List...... 24 Appendix II – Organisers’ and Presenters’ List...... 31 Appendix III – Presenters’ Biographies ...... 35

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Introduction The First Scottish Rural Services Annual Conference was held at The Highland Council in Inverness on Monday 3rd September 2001. An optional programme of visits was also arranged for Tuesday 4th September. The conference was jointly hosted by The Highland Council, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the Scottish Executive, and organised on their behalf by Glenaffric Ltd. The conference followed the publication by the Scottish Executive in December 2000 of the Scottish National Rural Partnership (SNRP) report ‘Services in Rural Scotland’. The event was attended by 86 delegates drawn from all over Scotland, including the Western Isles and the Northern Isles. Some delegates from other parts of the United Kingdom also attended. Delegates were drawn from a variety of backgrounds, including public sector organisations (eg Local Authorities and Local Enterprise Companies, Health Boards/Trusts, Rural Partnerships), voluntary sector organisations (eg CVS, Community Transport, Voluntary Action), Community Councils/Associations, and community trusts. Conference Programme 10.00 Coffee and Registration 10.30 Welcome: Convener of The Highland Council, David Green Keynote Speech: Ross Finnie MSP, 10.40 Minister for Environment and Rural Development 11.10 An International Perspective, Helen Thomson, The Countryside Agency 11.40 Workshop 1: Cross-cutting themes: • Wiring it up - Threats and opportunities to rural services of ICT • Joining up Public Services • Meeting the service needs of young people • Community Capacity Building • Taking services to the people - Mobile and peripatetic services 1.00 Lunch 1.45 SCVO Presentation – workwithus.org Targeting the Community Fund at rural areas 2.00 Adriènne Kelbie, Director for Scotland, Community Fund 2.30 Workshop 2: Service specific themes: • The future of the retail sector • Village Halls • Sustainable Childcare Services • Telemedicine/health • Information and Advice 3.45 Coffee Question Time Panel Session chaired by Martyn Evans, 4.00 Scottish Consumer Council 4.30 Close

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Keynote Speech Ross Finnie MSP, Minister for Environment and Rural Development I am delighted to be here this morning to address the first Services in Rural Scotland conference. Like Councillor Green, I am keen that there should be a more equitable distribution of service delivery across Scotland, and I congratulate Highland Council and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations for coming forward with the proposal for a conference focussing on the issue of rural service provision. I am pleased that the Executive has been able to offer its support. Being able to access basic services is something that so many of us take for granted – but I know that for many living in our rural communities, accessing such services is becoming more difficult, for a variety of reasons. That is why the Executive has identified rural service provision as a key priority, and why we commissioned the ‘Services in Rural Scotland’ report. This morning I will outline what the Executive has been doing to take this issue forward, and how we might all work together to improve the services available to rural Scotland. The Executive has put in place a mechanism for giving increased consideration to rural issues. Our Department of Environment and Rural Affairs, and my post as Minister for Environment and Rural Development, reflect the high priority that the Executive is now giving to rural Scotland. The Executive’s cross-cutting Ministerial Committee for Rural Development, which I chair, ensures that every department in the Scottish Executive considers rural needs when developing policies. One of the key issues that I identified at an early stage as important to rural Scots was service provision. This is why service provision is highlighted as a key issue in ‘Rural Scotland: A New Approach’, which outlines our vision for rural Scotland and our new joined-up approach to rural development. It clearly states that ‘We will improve access to services essential to our life and work, and ensure that quality of life will depend on what you need, not where you are’. While I recognise that the provision of services is crucial to the sustainability of rural communities, problems are often caused by distance and sparsity of population, realities which we must accept. However, the Executive is determined to continue to develop, in partnership with rural communities and other service providers, new and innovative ways of improving access to quality services. Services in Rural Scotland Following the publication of ‘Rural Scotland: A New Approach’, I asked the Scottish National Rural Partnership to convene a group which would bring together service providers to identify innovative approaches to providing services in rural areas, and to consider how these examples might benefit and be replicated in other parts of rural Scotland. The report, ‘Services in Rural Scotland’, a copy of which I believe you all have, was presented to me here in Inverness in January 2001 and contained many important messages for voluntary, public and private organisations responsible for service provision in rural areas. And I am pleased to see that the programme for today’s conference picks up on many of the report’s key themes. Most importantly, it stresses how important it is for service providers to work closely with rural communities to assess the services they require and the priority they attach to them. The report advocates that more community involvement in decision-making in service delivery is required. In particular, groups that have not been involved in the past, such as young people, need to be empowered. The report also recognises that service providers in the public, private and voluntary sectors need to work together, in partnership, to reduce costs and share knowledge and experiences. This includes the joint provision of services, either through the shared use of staff, buildings or vehicles, or by making use of agency arrangements. The report also highlighted the variety of ways which services can be delivered. We have moved a long way since mobile libraries. ICT developments offer the opportunity to deliver information remotely and also the opportunity to access services interactively, such as booking appointments with GPs on-line. Service providers also need to make more use of mobile and peripatetic methods of delivering services. As I’ve indicated, the report demonstrated that there are already many examples of good practice and innovative approaches to delivering services in rural areas. This confirms what I have found on my many visits. However, what we have not always been so good at is telling other people about

Page 5 of 39 Rural Services: Making it Happen Conference Report successes and good ideas which work – as well as things that haven’t. I am therefore pleased that the report recommends greater dissemination of good practice through seminars, better use of the Internet and other networking opportunities. I hope that this conference today will offer one such opportunity. The report makes a number of useful, specific recommendations to a range of voluntary, public and private sector organisations, as well as to the Executive. I am pleased to be able to say that my Deputy Minister, Rhona Brankin will be providing the Scottish National Rural Partnership (SNRP) with the Executive’s response to the recommendations falling to it in the next few weeks. I am also very pleased that the SNRP has already agreed to monitor the implementation by all agencies and service providers of the recommendations in the report. SNRP will be providing me with a progress report in a year’s time. It is very important not just to publish the report, but to also set targets to ensure that the report is translated into actions for real progress. Work has already begun on many of the recommendations falling to the Executive. A key step in providing effective services is acknowledging and understanding the needs of rural communities. Only then can we effectively tackle service provision in rural and remote areas. One of the most effective means of acknowledging and understanding rural needs is to encourage communities to identify these, and their solutions themselves. The Executive’s Rural Challenge Fund empowers local communities by encouraging applications that are community led, and requiring the applicants to demonstrate that the community supports and has been consulted on the project. As the SNRP report highlighted, young people are often overlooked when identifying the needs of rural communities. Again, consultation and empowerment are key tools in addressing this problem. Services for young people will therefore be a theme for the 2002-2003 round of the Rural Challenge fund. Applicants will have to demonstrate that they have actively engaged with young people in developing services. If we are to retain young people in rural communities it is vital that we include them and provide them with the services they need. Sharing Resources I agree that one way to promote and facilitate effective services is through working in partnership and sharing resources such as buildings and staff and information. This approach also has the potential to offer communities additional benefits, including the convenience of a common location and fostering a more joined-up approach between the service providers involved. The Executive is building on a number of the report’s recommendations in this respect by encouraging or promoting partnership working, and exploring with other service providers the potential for one-stop-shop approaches to service delivery. For example, the Executive recently facilitated a meeting with other service providers to discuss the ‘community mall’ concept, whereby a range of facilities and services provided by the public, private and voluntary sectors, are located in one building. This sounds very simple but I ask delegates to look round and see where money has been spent on replicating or duplicating service provision buildings which are increasingly difficult to maintain. It is important that we network in order to avoid such duplication of scarce resources and avoid common mistakes. The Executive is also taking forward other initiatives and making use of the developments in technology through the 21st Century Government programme and the Modernising Government Fund, which aims to raise standards and improve access to the public services for the people of Scotland. Partnership Working One-stops-shops are just one example of partnership working, there are many others. The Community Planning process is one of the mechanisms through which the Executive is seeking to promote the partnership approach. The Community Planning process is concerned with creating a strategic vision for the whole area – a means of creating a holistic approach to the social, economic and environmental needs of the area and its communities. A key concept includes community consultation and involvement – to ensure that the agreed vision should be that of the community, as well as that of public, private and voluntary sector agencies in the area. I believe it is vital that rural communities are heard and included in the development of Community Plans and I am keen to ensure that rural groups are properly represented. At the next SNRP conference, the Executive will be encouraging Local Rural Partnerships to work in partnership with

Page 6 of 39 Rural Services: Making it Happen Conference Report other organisations through the Community Planning process to achieve effective local service delivery. Sharing Knowledge Spreading awareness and learning from each other about what works and what doesn’t is a key theme of the SNRP report. The Executive has already started to take forward work to promote good practice including the preparation of a good practice guide. We will also publish an annual summary of projects funded through the Rural Challenge Fund and the Scottish Rural Transport Fund. The Executive has also commissioned a scoping study to investigate the setting up of a Rural Community Website, offering useful information, examples of good-practice case studies and providing a means for communities to network with each another and discuss rural issues affecting them. If the study identifies sufficient demand, we will look to have a website in place by the end of 2002. In learning from one another, and spreading good practice, we need not restrict ourselves to Scottish examples. Indeed you will be hearing shortly from Helen Thomson from the Countryside Agency about work going on in England. In recent months, I have had the opportunity to visit Canada to hear about service delivery there. A number of key themes emerged during my visit, which are also reflected in the approach we are taking here to service provision, namely: • a shared view that rural communities should expect to be able to access a wide range of services • a shared view that flexibility on the part of service providers is crucial • a shared view that putting the citizen/client first is vital to effective service delivery • and a shared view that both service providers and citizens need to be realistic about the provision of services. Although many of the principles are the same, we came across some interesting examples of how services can be delivered in different ways. I am keen that, in learning from others, we include examples from outwith Scotland. That is why we have commissioned a fuller research project into international best practice, with particular reference to the transferability of projects to Scotland’s remote and rural areas. However, one of the best means of learning of interesting, and innovative solutions to service delivery in rural areas is through face-to face discussion and networking between those directly involved at the grass-roots level. In other words, through conferences on issues surrounding service delivery in rural areas. Today is the first of these conferences. It is up to all of us, as representatives of rural communities, voluntary groups, public organisations and private businesses to work together to find effective ways of delivering quality services throughout rural Scotland. This conference will provide the opportunity for you to hear about good practice and innovative approaches to rural service delivery. Hopefully you will make contacts, discuss issues of mutual interest and learn from one another. It is important that we share ideas about delivering services in rural areas, and build on and use the good practice that we hear about. Through doing this we will reduce the barriers and help to ensure that rural communities can access quality services. I look forward, not only to hearing about the outcome of this conference, but to taking outcomes forward.

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An International Perspective Helen Thomson, Head of Rural Services, The Countryside Agency

THE COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY THE COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY

The Countryside Agency is about making a It does this by: difference for those who: • influencing • live and work in the countryside • implementing • visit it

• care about it, wherever they live

THE GOVERNMENT’S RURAL POLICY THE COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY OBJECTIVES FROM THE RURAL WHITE PAPER 2000 Our strategy identifies: • To facilitate the development of dynamic, competitive and sustainable economies in the countryside, tackling poverty • the key issues facing the countryside in rural areas

• To maintain and stimulate communities, and secure access • our vision of a socially strong, economically to services which is equitable in all circumstances for those who live or work in the countryside vibrant and environmentally healthy countryside • To conserve and enhance rural landscapes and the diversity • our role in achieving that vision and abundance of wildlife

THE GOVERNMENT’S RURAL POLICY THE WHITE PAPER AND RURAL INITIATIVES FROM THE RURAL SERVICES WHITE PAPER 2000 The new standard for rural services will: • set out what rural people can expect from services • To increase opportunities for people to get enjoyment from • make clear for the first time how equitable access the countryside. will be delivered to the everyday public services which rural people need • To promote Government responsiveness to rural • ensure that existing access to services is monitored communities through better working together between and maintained with a range of measures showing central departments, local government and government how it will improve agencies and better co-operation with non-government • be reviewed annually bodies

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RURAL SERVICE STANDARD RURAL SERVICE STANDARD an example • Presumption against closure, eg schools, post Community Legal Service: offices • The Legal Services Commission is forming • Indicator of access level, eg bus services community legal services partnerships (CLSPs) to deliver local networks of legal services, based on • Geographic access standards, eg libraries local needs. Target: 90% of the population to be • Response time targets, eg ambulance, fire, police covered by Spring 2002 • Telephone services, eg NHS Direct •On-line access, eg information on benefits • CLSPs will use innovative methods such as the • Help with fares, eg to meet the cost of travelling online directory “Just Ask” to deliver better access to job interviews in rural areas

MARKET TOWNS VITAL VILLAGE SERVICES THE ISSUES • Establish a market town “health check” • Around one third of villages have no shop • Work with Regional Development Agencies to and the loss of banks, garages and pubs in regenerate around 100 of the most needy towns rural areas continues

• Invest transport funds to support market towns as local centres • People in villages increasingly rely on travelling to meet their everyday needs • Show what works

VITAL VILLAGE SERVICES THE FUTURE VITAL VILLAGES PROGRAMME

• Diversified village community-backed enterprise • Parish Plans Grant – 1,000 communities to participate by 2004 offering a wide range of products and services • Community Services Grant – 1,000 communities to • Public service providers retaining and improving benefit by 2005 essential village services which are well used and at the heart of the community • Parish Transport Grant – 500 new projects by 2004

• Rural Transport Partnership – at least one partnership in • Community initiative to share the use of village each county facilities such as the church, school hall or pub and to re-establish basic services

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MODERN RURAL SERVICES MODERN RURAL SERVICES THE FUTURE THE ISSUES • Information • Isolation • Increased investment • Relocation away from rural communities • Service delivery tailored to local needs • Concern about levels of property crime and related issues • Joint provision

RURAL PROOFING 1997 RURAL SERVICES SURVEY THINKING RURAL

Proportion of rural parishes without the key service: What is rural proofing? As policies are developed, policy makers should: • Permanent shop of any kind 42% • General store 70% • Consider whether a policy is likely to have a • Post Office 43% different impact in rural areas than elsewhere • Village hall/community centre 28% • Public house 29% • Assess these impacts • Bus service (7 days a week) 75% • School (for 6 yr olds) 50% • Consider what policy adjustments are needed to • School (any age) 49% reflect rural needs

RURAL ASSURANCE RURAL SERVICES

• Minimum access standards for essential services • Offer policy advice and solutions nationally

• Tackle rural social exclusion • Help others to test public policy against rural needs • Support for rural communities • Monitor the progress of government and others through 20 key indicators

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RURAL PROOFING VITAL VILLAGES

• Help government and others to rural proof their • Help communities to help themselves policies and decisions • Run a community services fund to provide • Evaluate cross-cutting policy issues services people want

• Report on progress to Cabinet Committee and • Provide money to parishes and others for local Rural Sounding Board transport

• Support Chair in his role as Rural Advocate

RURAL ACADEMY RURAL ACADEMY

Six schools in South Holland, Lincolnshire Six pilots within the project: • Supporting modern languages teaching • Web-cams • Family learning (helping to address family literacy) • Video conferencing • Career awareness • Management information • Interactive whiteboards • Promoting Science • Support for adult and community learning • Interactive on-line curriculum modules

WATERS UPTON CO-LOCATION WATERS UPTON CO-LOCATION PROJECT PROJECT • ICT access and training • Adult education • Shop • Police • Post office • Citizens Advice Bureau • ICT access centre • Library • Meeting room • Legal advice surgery • Community office • MPs surgery •3-bedroom flat • Rural stress helpdesk • Tax and benefits information • Cash-point

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RURAL HEALTH FORUM RURAL PROOFING NATIONALLY

What it will do: •A new role of Rural Advocate has been created to • Help the Department of Health in rural proofing the NHS argue the case on countryside issues, to be taken Plan on by the Chair of the Countryside Agency • Raise awareness generally of rural healthcare services delivery •A National Rural Sounding Board has been • Disseminate information and highlight good practice established • Identify areas for further research • Help to identify and address rural health inequalities • Network effectively with key healthcare professionals • The Countryside Agency will submit to • Use ICT to help implement new approaches to working government annually its report, “State of the Countryside”, and an annual rural proofing report

THE FORUM FOR RURAL CHILDREN RURAL PROOFING LOCALLY AND YOUNG PEOPLE • Plays a key role in exchanging information, sharing good practice • Regional Rural Sounding Boards • Ensures that the voices of rural children and young people are heard •A Rural Sub-Group of the Central-Local Partnership has been established • Fosters awareness of the rural dimension in government policy development at local and national level

• Influences policy and practice with those planning services for children and young people in rural areas

PARISH COUNCILS RURAL SOCIAL EXCLUSION

• Quality parishes • Rural Social Exclusion programme

• Training • Social Exclusion Advisory Group

• IT network • Community Development Workers

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Targeting the Community Fund at Rural Areas Adriènne Kelbie, Director for Scotland, Community Fund

Giving Money to People in Rural Areas We had a problem!

• perception of charities only Adriènne Kelbie • appeared distant, disinterested Director for Scotland • groups need paid fundraisers • forms too difficult for small amounts of money

So what’s the solution (us)?: So what’s the solution (you)?:

• New name • Distribute information about the new us • Encourage applicants to contact us for assistance • streamlined application process • Positively promote success • simpler application form and assessment for projects • Make suggestions - we’re of up to £60k good listeners! • Expansion of Awards for All scheme • Future - more straightforward management of grant • Proactive partnership working with CsVS and LAs

Scotland’s Current Strategic Current Funding Policies: Priorities (1999-2002)

• no match funding required for any project • work in our high priority areas • 1, 2 or 3 year projects • developing the voluntary sector and strengthening • capital and/or revenue funding its infrastructure • multiple applications accepted • promoting equal opportunities • re-applications for development • projects which are run by small and community led organisations

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Under-represented Applications:

• One or two year projects Community Fund • Applications for less than £100k Strategic Plan 2002 - 7 • ‘Large’ applications with match funding • Projects for particular target groups • Projects in particular geographical areas

8 9 Headline Issues Beneficiary Categories for Scotland

Less money to give out • Disabled people and their carers (physical, mental, sensory, learning) – £287m this year – £215m by 2004 - 5 • Black and minority ethnic communities, inc refugees and asylum seekers ! Grant making will be more targeted and more focussed on impact • People in areas disadvantaged by ! Blend targeting with reactive grants economic and social change, whether urban or rural

10 11 Working strategically with targeted Review of Key Policies communities

• Length of funding • Intelligence about communities’ needs and priorities • Continuation Funding • Working with partners • Maximum Grant size • Support infrastructure and community capacity • 100% funding • Develop grant making processes to focus on • Funding of core costs long term change projects intend to promote

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12 13 Main Questions for You Main Questions - Key Policies

• Who should be our key partners? How • Longer term funding, larger grants and core costs should we work with them? mean less grant money available to give out. In this context: • What are the most effective interventions • What’s the best way to give longer term funding and we can make? when should we give it? • How can we best ensure our grant making • Should we have a maximum grant size and when promotes long term change? should we give larger grants? • Have we chosen sensible beneficiary • Should we give core costs and if so in what groups? circumstances and how could it be done accountably?

Who Has Received Funds So Far? Who Has Received Funds So Far?

Lochaber Community Care Forum, Fort William Angus Mental Health Association, Arbroath

• to develop a network of locally managed • £185k to establish contact with isolated mentah community car schemes for people with health sufferers in Angus community care needs and no other access to affordable transport.

Who Has Received Funds So Far? Giving Money to People in Rural Areas

Badrallach Township Community Enterprise, Highland

• To connect the township to the national grid, and Are You Next? provide residents with electric power for the first time. This will improve living conditions and ensure the survival of a small and disadvantaged community.

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Workshops Ten workshops took place in two sessions and delegates had the opportunity to participate in two workshops, one in each session. Broadly, the workshops had the following aims: • Promote better understanding of areas and issues of particular interest to delegates • Provide a forum for small group discussion • Encourage the sharing of ideas and good practice • Ensure delegates have an opportunity to air their views • Provide a summary of main issues raised to be included in the conference proceedings Each workshop was addressed by a speaker with a particular interest in the area. The discussion was chaired by a facilitator, who was also tasked with summarising the main messages from the workshop for local authorities, the voluntary sector and the Scottish Executive.

Workshop 1: Cross-cutting themes Wiring it up – threats and opportunities to rural services of ICT Speaker: Karen Pickles, Ayrshire Electronic Community Facilitator: Maggie Symonds, Calico UK Karen Pickles’ presentation focused on the experiences of the Ayrshire Electronic Community. Four main areas of interest of interest were identified: • Connectivity issues of cost and availability • Sustainability and promoting usage of centres • Ensuring that the learning opportunities available match the learning needs that have been identified • The need for ongoing support to community and voluntary groups to assist them to purchase the most appropriate hardware and software and to maximise their usage of it The ensuing discussion identified additional problems, including identifying what uses communities would have for an Internet connection, and the conflicting statistical evidence for the demographics of Internet users. It was also noted that the current balance between initiatives which work on a one- to-one basis with learners and government initiatives is too heavily weighted towards a top-down approach. Policy issues relating to choosing between resourcing hardware in the short term and longer term financing of running costs and training for usage were also discussed, concluding that it is the latter that is required. Messages Action could be taken to: • Identify national best practice • Provide better information about connectivity options and costs • Ensure that the role of the regulator is consumer focused • Ensure that all developments involve consultation and community ownership • Change the culture of the 9 – 5 working day • Develop community champions • Clarify which services can be provided online • Be aware that online delivery may make offline delivery non-viable • Manage expectations realistically • Involve a self-assessment of learning needs

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Joining up public services Speaker: Stuart Black, Highlands & Islands Enterprise Facilitator: Jane Hamilton, Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department This workshop considered some of the key issues affecting a co-ordinated approach to the provision of public services in rural areas. Some examples of good practice were noted. The key points of the discussion included: • Fragmentation of service provision, uncertain funding situations and a top-down approach all present obstacles to joining up services • Some service provision need to be shared or there is a risk of losing the provision altogether • There are good examples of joined up service provision in small communities • ICT presents significant opportunities in this context • There is a strong need for ‘joined up consultation’ on what services are required, focusing on community needs and empowerment • Joined up funding helps to promote sustainability Messages • Joining up occurs on a number of levels, for example in sectoral terms, on a wider geographical basis and within communities • Flexibility is the key – adaptable, local solutions are required for local needs • A centralised, top-down approach is counter-productive • Joined up consultation and community empowerment should be encouraged Meeting the service needs of young people Speaker: Fraser Falconer, BBC Children in Need Facilitator: Maureen Mallon, Youthlink Scotland The key issues addressed in this workshop included: • How to make changes and work towards continuous improvement of services while dealing with jobs and livelihoods • Geographical distance can be a barrier to identifying people to run services, and professionals often operate on a part-time basis across huge areas • The busy people tend to be those with most potentially to offer as volunteers, but least time in which to offer it • The funding framework for the voluntary sector is complex and has suffered from a lack of consistency Messages

• There is a need for sustainable and consistent funding

• Young people need discrete and dedicated provision in key areas and basic entitlements (eg mental health provision)

• A lack of professional know-how and funding for training may be addressed by using LEC business advisers and community education specialists Community capacity building Speaker: Geoff Weir, Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland Facilitator: Carola Bell, Consultant

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The workshop participants brought a wide range of perspectives to the discussion with individuals from development agencies, local authorities, voluntary sector organisations and community projects. The workshop looked at the topic of community capacity building within the increasing involvement of community based organisations in managing large capital projects and undertaking ongoing management of initiatives and provision of services on a long term basis. It was felt that these communities are often now facing strategic and management issues involving policy, finance, planning, employment etc at a far higher level than before. Geoff Weir programme Director of Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland Community capacity Building Grants Scheme gave a detailed presentation covering the background and rationale of the scheme as well as its approach and functioning. The main areas of activity covered by the consultants are • Improving governance • Financial management • Resource and financial planning • IT solutions • Communications • Strategic planning • Staff development. Messages • The need for assistance with feasibility studies • The need for a faster response to advice needs • The provision of more locally based consultants • The particular difficulty faced by communities in keeping pace with current legislation eg Health & Safety, to Food Hygiene, Child Protection, Employment law and other legal issues, and the need for good information provision and update • The problems of short term revenue funding grants which focus attention on finding sources of future funding rather than other issues, meaning that capacity building is often overshadowed by the need to survive financially Taking services to the people Speaker: Donnie MacLeod, MacLeod Organics Facilitator: Naomi Graham, Moray Toy Library The workshop heard about the work of organic farmer Donnie MacLeod who, while promoting the production and consumption of organic vegetables, has made a positive contribution to rural life by enabling isolated communities to access a variety of fresh vegetables, and to encouraging crofters and other smallholders to participate in an organic production scheme. Participants in the workshop reflected a wide range of rural communities in Scotland. The main areas of interest developed were as follows: • How to take services into rural communities • Ways in which support can come from the ‘centre’ to create and resource local delivery • Rural community development initiatives require secure, core funding in order to establish a firm and sustainable base • There are good models for shared service delivery, multiple usage of facilities and resources Messages

• There is a need for groups and service providers to link more with one another, and share services and resources

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• More effective channels of communication should be established

• Provide resourcing for rural initiatives with a timescale that allows for consolidation and sustainability

• Be creative in setting up partnerships with integrated funding packages

• Promote mapping exercises to identify resources and service providers

• Review funding mechanisms to include travel costs and to recognise the need for longer timescales

• Challenge commercial transport operations and schedules, recognising the social and environmental benefits of accessible, affordable and practical public and community transport schemes Workshop 2: Service-specific themes The future of the retail sector Speaker: Alan Bradley, Consignia Facilitator: Sheen Slimon, Laggan Community Trading The presentation discussed the extension of post office services to include one-stop-shop provision of banking and access to online learning, and touch screen kiosks. There was a general discussion on survival of small retail outlets. It was suggested that viability is only maintained with a surrounding community of at least 1000 people. It was proposed that shops should buy and sell local produce where possible, and that networks of small shops could be established to bulk buy and reduce costs. Small shops will survive if they sell fresh produce, but not if the fresh produce is not kept fresh. The support service provided by Scottish Co-op for community co-operatives was noted. Messages • There are opportunities for the one-stop-shop provision of groceries, post office counter services and local authority service points • Local authority planning decisions with regard to large supermarkets and out of town retail parks need to consider the implications for local retail provision • Support services and networks should be encouraged Village Halls Speaker: Lucy Scott, Ardross Millennium Project Facilitator: Sandy Anderson, The Highland Council The workshop presentation focused on the funding and building project of the Ardross Village Hall. A wide-ranging discussion ensued, which included capital funding issues in general, revenue budgeting, repair and refurbishment of village halls, and the legislative requirements facing hall committees. The group concluded that village communities need their halls for a variety of social and economic reasons, and that significant efforts are required to ensure that these halls remain open, safe and in community use. Village halls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the key factor is that the hall meets the needs of the community it serves. It was noted that not all village halls are registered charities. Messages • Legislation can have a huge effect on village halls and their ability to deliver. Food regulations, health and safety and child protection, for example, put huge burdens on voluntary hall committees to keep up to date with legislative requirements. • Water charges are a particular concern, including the charges levied for surface water.

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• Many village halls across Scotland have a significant need for capital funding for large scale replacements refurbishments and general repairs. • Many hall committees required up-front funding for feasibility studies before embarking on major projects Sustainable childcare services Speaker: Sam Brogan, The Highland Council Facilitator: Julia Nelson, Highland Health Board Discussion at this workshop considered the long-term subsidies required to sustain childcare in rural areas. The use of Scottish Executive ‘poverty package’ monies for this purpose was welcomed. However, despite additional monies, it was noted that some services may never be financially sustainable. Concerns were raised about the capacity of some communities to establish and manage childcare services. The discussion also considered the specific cultural needs of some minority ethnic groupings and the need for staff training to recognise and help meet these needs. Messages • Childcare needs to be promoted as a viable and promising career option, including better information about courses, funding and facilities for students (including childcare facilities) • More joined-up multi-purpose use of existing school premises would improve sustainability • New school build projects should consult on actual and potential childcare usage Telemedicine and health Speaker: Eric Mackenzie, NHS in Scotland Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative Facilitator: Lesley Paterson, Highland Acute Hospitals Trust This workshop focused on the RARARI initiative supporting remote and rural healthcare in Scotland. It considered examples of good practice from across Scotland. The importance of proactive engagement of communities with the health service was stressed, and of continued dialogue. The discussion noted the need to ensure that all sections of the community have a voice, and a number of consultation options were considered. Messages • Promote and help co-ordinate the use of teleconferencing facilities for public information and consultation Information and advice Speaker: Carol Greer, Citizens’ Advice Scotland Facilitator: Ann Keatinge, Voluntary Groups, East Sutherland This workshop focused on three key areas: • Working together – organisations working in partnership, using existing links and networks to serve more clients, raising awareness of clients’ needs and marketing services • Encouraging use of existing services – telephone advice, use of new technologies through computer access points, and the continuing importance of face-to-face services • Meeting the needs of specific groups – recognising and meeting the needs of all sections of the community including younger people, older people, disabled and ethnic minorities Messages • Promote information and advice networking, including the sharing of good practice in meeting the needs of specific groups • Facilitate the development and implementation of information services using new technologies, while recognising the importance of maintaining face-to-face-services

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SCVO Presentation – workwithus.org Gordon Knutsford-Smith of SCVO gave a short presentation on the workwithus.org web portal. This is a new initiative which is designed to encourage the voluntary sector in Scotland to harness the benefits of new technology. The portal is divided into areas of interest to help users navigate their way around the site and find the information they require. The features of the portal are delivered through eleven ‘channels’: Home/Contact us News Find us What’s on Inform Funds Learn Lobby Give Buy Talk People

These ‘channels’ have additional features and functionality available to voluntary organisations that register with the portal.

Question Time Panel Discussion The main conference proceedings concluded with a Question Time Panel Discussion chaired by Martyn Evans of the Scottish Consumer Council. The other panel members were: Sandy Cumming Chief Executive, Highlands & Islands Enterprise Jon Harris Director of Corporate Strategy, CoSLA (in place of Andrew Campbell, CoSLA Rural Affairs Spokesperson) Ken MacKenzie Chief Officer, Scottish Co-op Judith Riddell Member, Highland Youth Parliament Martin Sime Chief Executive, SCVO

The first question related to the need to encourage more involvement of young people in community activities, and asked whether the panel felt enough was being done to emphasise the ‘fun’ and enjoyable aspects of community involvement. Judith Riddell agreed that it was important to engage with young people on their terms, and to recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment in community activities. Sandy Cumming noted that local enterprise company networks recognise the need to embrace the messages of youth and to get young people on board. Ken Mackenzie offered the example from the retail sector of the importance of communication and social games. The nest question related to the title of the conference, ‘Rural Services – Making it Happen’, and asked what should be made to happen in order to improve rural service provision. Sandy Cumming highlighted equality of access and provision as the major issue facing rural service provision, and the importance of broadband initiatives in this respect. Jon Harris noted the change in culture and expectations that is required in order to join up services and focus on the needs of communities. Martin Sime added that an important facet of this cultural change is the emerging support for community ownership and the high priority given to this by the Scottish Executive. For Judith Riddell, a key issue was the need to identify people willing to give their time and talents to connect with young people. Ken Mackenzie noted the high costs and logistical implications of ensuring that all of Scotland’s communities have access to basic provisions, and the importance of continuing cross-subsidisation on a pan-Scotland basis. It was asked whether Scotland needed a ‘rural voice’ as a formal lobbying body to engage with community members and the Scottish Executive. In response, the need for a rural ‘space’ was identified, which would provide the opportunity for a variety of different ‘voices’ to come together. The importance of independence and of ensuring grass-roots relevance to rural communities was emphasised, as was the development of a consensus

Page 21 of 39 Rural Services: Making it Happen Conference Report view, built on the need for diversity. More participation by Scottish parliamentary representatives in rural communities and locations would be welcome. The final question related to transport and fuel prices, and asked whether the Panel recommended the equalisation of fuel costs across Scotland. The Panel discussed some issues arising from the deregulation of public transport. Community transport initiatives were highlighted as important examples of improving social capital through community ownership. It was noted that decentralised solutions were preferred where possible, and that local democracy provided opportunities for communities to devolve and develop their own solutions to their own particular situations and challenges. Conclusion The main conference proceedings were drawn to a close by Helen Betts-Brown, Head of Rural Development with SCVO. The opportunity presented by the conference to establish networks for the sharing of ideas and good practice was highlighted. It was noted that some delegates would have the opportunity to visit examples of innovative practice in rural service provision on the second day of the conference. Thanks were expressed to the presenters, workshop speakers and facilitators, and the panel. Summary The themes addressed and aspects of rural service provision raised in the conference may be distilled into four key issues for consideration and action. These key issues are sustainability, community empowerment, networking, and the need for fair and equitable provision. Sustainability · Encouraging multi-use of buildings, people, facilities and resources to make the best use of scarce resources · A joined-up approach to funding, ensuring sensible use of available funds and providing for long term investment in people and places · Promoting the involvement of young people in community life and society · Promoting awareness of environmental issues and the importance of rural areas in sustaining healthy living · Fostering positive cultural changes in the way people work, play and interact with one another Community empowerment · Supporting grass-roots consultation rather than top-down imposition · Encouraging adaptable, local solutions to local challenges · Promoting community ownership and responsibility Networking · Encouraging communication through new technologies such as teleconferencing and the Internet; providing connectivity and bandwidth to meet emerging demand · Conducting mapping exercises to identify national good practice; providing information and networking forums to facilitate sharing good practice Fair and equitable provision · Recognising, supporting and promoting innovative approaches to overcoming geographical and social barriers to service provision · Recognising and promoting strategies to cope with the social and familial problems that exist in rural communities · Promoting consistency of approach to the availability and accessing of funding

Page 22 of 39 Rural Services: Making it Happen Conference Report

· Promoting awareness of the needs of specific social groups, such as young people, the elderly, and ethnic minorities Conference Visits A Dolphin cruise on the Moray Firth was arranged for delegates and presenters on the evening of Monday 3 September. Sixteen people took part. Two programmes of visits took place on Tuesday 4 September to locations demonstrating innovative approaches to rural service delivery. Twenty-five delegates took part in itineraries to the Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit area, and to Inverness and Nairn. Visit 1 – Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit A total of fifteen people took part in this visit programme, which was facilitated by Polly Chapman of The Highland Council. The first destination was the Abriachan Village Hall. Abriachan is a small, dispersed community above Loch Ness. The village hall is an important focal point and is owned and managed by the local community themselves. The group then visited the nearby Abriachan Forest Trust, which is an expanse of community owned and managed woodland. Delegates highlighted the insight into community empowerment, the raising of environmental concerns and awareness and the development of social capital as particularly interesting aspects of these visits. The group then visited the Drumnadrochit Tourist Information and Service Point. This is a multi-purpose facility managed jointly by The Highland Council and Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board. The building houses a Council Service Point, tourist information facilities, a community corner for local information, and public conveniences. In the afternoon, some members of the group visited the Lewiston Nursery, an independent facility for pre-school children in the community. Others visited the Glenurquhart Care Centre, a community-owned and managed project providing co-ordinated day and residential care services to residents of a wide rural area. The itinerary concluded with a short visit to Urquhart Castle and the new visitor facilities currently under construction there. Visit 2 – Inverness and Nairn Ten people participated in this visit, which was facilitated by David Martin of SCVO. The first destination was the Inverness Rail Road Container Transfer, where the group learned about recent developments in rail freight and cargo transfer. The benefits of increased rail transfer in terms of local employment and impact on the environment impact were highlighted. The group then travelled to the Look Ahead Centre in Nairn. The centre is a partnership between The Highland Council and Inverness & Nairn Enterprise, and provides information, support and signposting services in an informal setting to people who are out of work. The group then visited the new Inverness Airport, which was recently completed as a public finance initiative. The group learned of future plans for a more integrated air/road/rail transport system, of safety, weather and environmental considerations, and of air travel subsidy issues in the Highlands and Islands. The final destination on this itinerary was the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Inverness. The Highlands has the highest instance of multiple sclerosis in Scotland, and the centre has over 100 members. It is funded from appeals to Trusts, businesses and the public, and offers sufferers a number of facilities designed to maintain quality of life.

Page 23 of 39 Appendix I Delegate List

Duncan Alexander Leslie Allan Assistant Chief Commissioner Area Manager Scout Association Aberdeenshire Council 53 Fleurs Road School Road Elgin Alford IV30 1TA AB51 7SJ 01343 543695 019755 64800 [email protected] [email protected] Roy Anderson Jacki Anderson Community Development Manager Assistant Animateur Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise Fife Rural Partnership Elgin Business Centre County Buildings, St Catherine Street Elgin Cupar Moray Fife IV30 1RH KY15 4TA 01343 550567 01334 413900 [email protected] [email protected] Sarah Barker Judith Aylett Manager Community Development Volunteering Highland Marr Area Partnership 3rd Floor Heughhead 28 Queensgate Strathdon Inverness AB36 8XJ IV1 1DJ 01976 51740 01463 711393 [email protected] [email protected] Donna Barnett Sally Body Support Coordinator Member Banff Partnership Ltd Thurso Community Council The Old Mill 108 Marr Terrace Burnside Thurso Portsoy KW14 7SW AB45 2QN 01847 891789 01261 842951 [email protected] [email protected] Hazel Black Frank Burns Senior Executive Organising Secretary Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire Association of Local Voluntary Organisations New Lanarkshire House 2 Hope Street Strathclyde Business Park Lanark Bellshill ML11 7LZ ML4 3AD 01555 661233 01698 745454 [email protected] [email protected] Jenny Brogden Jackie Burns Director Depute Chair Social Work Committee Lambda Research & Consultancy Ltd South Lanarkshire Council Tower House Council Offices Avoch Almada Street IV9 8BR Hamilton 01381 621800 ML3 0AA [email protected] 01698 454089

Page 24 of 39 Appendix I Delegate List

Denise Burns Lesley Campbell Policy and Development Officer Strategy and Resources Manager New Opportunities Fund Stirling Council 1st Floor, 33 Bothwell Street Room 138, Viewforth Glasgow Stirling G2 6NL FK8 2ET 0141 242 7800 01786 443464 [email protected] [email protected]

Alexander Campbell Jenny Cook Manager Development Officer Huntly House Social Service Centre CVS Fife 1/3 Huntly Place 23 - 27 Randolph Street Inverness Buckhaven, Fife IV3 8HA KY8 1AT 01463 234123 01592 414588 [email protected] [email protected]

Charlotte Carpenter Janet Davidson Land Use and Rural Policy Division Secretary Scottish Executive Newtonmore and Vicinity Community Council Pentland House Coire Cas Edinburgh Newtonmore EH14 4TY PH20 1AR 0131 244 6203 01540 673322 [email protected] [email protected]

Douglas Cowan Susan Drew Head of Infrastructure and Communities Service Support Manager Argyll and the Islands Enterprise Highland Advice and Information Network Enterprise Centre David Whyte House Kilmory, Lochgilphead 57 Church Street, Inverness PA31 8SH IV1 1DR 01546 605402 01463 714863 [email protected] [email protected]

Margaret Davidson Sheila Duncan Councillor Access Service Manager The Highland Council Bridges Project Glenurquhart Road Mitchell's Close Inverness Haddington IV3 5NX EH41 3NB 01463 702015 01620 825379 [email protected] [email protected]

Anne Edwards Margaret Erskine Treasurer Treasurer Highland Environmental Network Strathglass Community Council The Education Centre 26 Maccoll Road Dingwall Cannich IV15 9HU Beauly 01349 863441 IV4 7LP [email protected] 01456 415249

Page 25 of 39 Appendix I Delegate List

Alexander Frame Wendy Fraser Deputy Manager Secretary Huntly House Social Service Centre ASCC 1/3 Huntly Place 11 Mounthooly Street Inverness Lerwick, Shetland IV3 8HA ZE1 0BJ 01463 234123 01595 810741 [email protected] [email protected]

Alan Gartshore Jon Harris Secretary Director of Corporate Strategy Ross & Cromarty Council of Voluntary Service COSLA 1 Castle Street Rosebery House Dingwall 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh IV15 9HU EH12 5XZ 01349 862431 0131 474 9255 [email protected] [email protected]

Kenneth Grant Flora Hutton Chief Executive Vice Chairperson Orkney Enterprise IDEA 14 Queen Street The Resource Centre, Kilarrow House Kirkwall, Orkney Bowmore, Islay KW15 1JE PA43 7LH 01856 874638 01496 810963 [email protected] [email protected]

Harry Hassall Judy Kay Treasurer Manager Coigach Community Trust Befrienders Highland Ltd 191B Polbain Queensgate Business Centre Achiltibuie 1 Fraser Street, Inverness Ullapool IV1 1DW IV26 2YW 01463 712 791 01854 622425 [email protected]

Tom Jackson Ruth Lawson Chairman Community Development Worker Thurso Community Council Voluntary Action Lochaber 15 Upper Burnside An Drochaid, Claggan Road Thurso Claggan, Fort William Caithness PH33 6PH KW14 7XA 01397 701123 01847 893583 [email protected]

Bob Leslie Margaret Lobley Project Director Gordon Rural Action TACT 55 Gordon Street 3rd Floor, Crowngate Business Centre Huntly 114-127 Brook Street, Glasgow AB54 8EQ G40 3AP 01466 793676 0141 404 3727 [email protected] [email protected]

Page 26 of 39 Appendix I Delegate List

Eileen MacCallum Marie Mackay Research Worker Development Officer Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health Scout Association 17a Graham Street Old Mill House Edinburgh Milton EH6 5QN Kildary 0131 555 5959 Ross-shire [email protected] 01862 842719

Jean Mackay Jacqui MacLeod TIGHRA Community Development Manager Housing Services Argyll and the Islands Enterprise Moray House, 16-18 Bank Street The Enterprise Centre Inverness Kilmory, Lochgilphead IV1 1QY PA31 8SH 01463 724442 01546 602281 [email protected] [email protected]

Marie MacKintosh Tom McAlpine Head of Community Development Councillor Inverness and Nairn Enterprise South Lanarkshire Council The Green House Council Offices Beechwood Business Park North, Inverness Almada Street IV2 3BW Hamilton 01463 713504 ML3 0AA [email protected] 01698 454686

Marion MacNeil Ellen McCance Economic Regeneration Officer Local Economic Development Worker Voluntary Action Barra & Vatersay Fife Council Local Office Dolphin 47 High Street Castlebay, Barra Pittenweem HS9 5XD KY10 2PG 01871 810302 01333 592056 [email protected] [email protected]

Janet Miles Liz McCaffray Local Development Worker Outreach Worker Loch Ewe Action Forum Inverness Women's Aid c/o Poolewe Village Hall 6 Nelson Street Poolewe, Near Achnasheen Inverness IV22 2LD IV3 8BY 01445 781408 01463 709838 [email protected]

Jackie McGuinnity Tamsin Morris Head of Community Development Development Officer Ross & Cromarty Enterprise Formartine Partnership 69-71 High Street Schoolhill Road Invergordon Ellon IV18 0AA AB41 9AN 01349 853666 01358 726406 [email protected] [email protected]

Page 27 of 39 Appendix I Delegate List

Annette Moore Gail Paterson Superintendent Radiographer Perth & Kinross Rural Partnership Highland Health Board c/o Perth & Kinross Council Raigmore Hospital 2 High Street, Perth Old Perth Road PH1 5PH Inverness 01738 475063 01463 704300 [email protected]

David Nicol Carole Patrick Scottish Homes Information Officer Urquhart House CVS Fife Beechwood Park 23 - 27 Randolph Street Inverness Buckhaven, Fife IV2 3BW KY8 1AT 01463 711272 01592 414588 [email protected] [email protected] Moira Paton Carol Petrie Head of Community Care and Community Angus Council Development Policy & Perfomance Unit Highland Health Board Chief Executive's Department Assynt House, Beechwood Park 7 The Cross, Forfar Inverness DD8 1BX IV2 3HG 01307 473780 01463 704929 [email protected] [email protected] Ailsa Peck Frances Powell Highland Community Care Forum Coordinator Highland House Moray Voluntary Services Organisation Longman Road 15 High Street Inverness Elgin IV1 1RY IV30 1EQ 01463 718817 01343 541713 [email protected] [email protected]

Scott Petrie Nita Renwick Development Officer Trustee Angus Rural Partnership Glencairn Community Trust Gordon Park c/o Ben Doran Kirriemuir Ayr Street DD8 4JD Moniaive 01575 574155 DG3 4MW [email protected]

Val Pocock Ian Rideout Councillor Committee Member Strathglass Community Council Ross & Cromarty Council of Voluntary Service Cougie Lodge 1 Castle Street Cougie Dingwall Tomich IV15 9HU Cannich 01349 862431 01456 415459 [email protected]

Page 28 of 39 Appendix I Delegate List

John Rainy Brown Margaret Rose Organiser Centre Manager Voluntary Action in Badenoch and Strathspey Rehab Scotland 85 Grampian Road 1650 London Road Aviemore Glasgow PH22 1RH G31 4QF 01479 810004 0141 554 8822 [email protected] [email protected]

Bob Rhodes Sue Sadler Chief Executive Perth & Kinross Community Transport Group TACT 6 Melville Terrace 6 St Mary's Street Glenfarg Wallingford PH2 9NN OX10 0EL 01577 830260 01491 832770 [email protected] [email protected] Jim Robertson Kathleen Simcock One Stop Shop Project Manager Assistant Chief Executive Orkney Islands Council Grampian University Hospitals Trust Council Offices Management Services School Place Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Kirkwall, Orkney Foresterhill, Aberdeen KW15 1NY AB25 2ZN 01856 873535 01224 554266 [email protected] [email protected] Lucy Stansfield Colin Roxburgh Senior Planning Officer Small Town and Rural Development Group Orkney Islands Council Barrisdale Council Offices Dalginross School Place Comrie Kirkwall, Orkney PH6 2EG KW15 1NY 01764 670499 01856 873535 [email protected] [email protected] Leo Sherry Mike Stevenson Policy Adviser Trustee South Lanarkshire Council Glencairn Community Trust Montrose House c/o Ben Doran Montrose Crescent, Hamilton Ayr Street ML3 6LL Moniaive 01698 453834 DG3 4MW [email protected]

Alison Simpson Paul Torrance Partnership Coordinator Councillor Banffshire Partnership Ltd South Ayrshire Council The Old Mill 9 The Loaning Burnside, Portsoy Dailly AB45 2QN Girvan 01261 842951 KA26 9SX [email protected] 01292 612437

Page 29 of 39 Appendix I Delegate List

Maureen Stephen Helen Turnbull Development Officer Project Worker Bridge CVS Lochaber Communications Network Ltd Voluntary Resource Centre St Mary's House 17 South Street, Mintlaw Gordon Square, Fort William AB42 5EL PH33 6DY 01771 624787 01397 704326 [email protected] [email protected]

Terry Veitch Sally Tattum Chief Executive Youth Worker Community Network Glenurquhart Youth Club 2nd Floor, Royal Mail Building Drumnadrochit 50 Studd Street, London Inverness N1 0QP IV63 6UG 020 7226 9755 01456 459091 [email protected]

Shirley Tulloch Lynn Watkins Community Development Manager Research Consultant Inverness and Nairn Enterprise Scottish Executive The Green House 34a Belle Vue Road Beechwood Business Park North, Inverness Henley-on-Thames IV2 3BW RG9 1JG 01463 713504 01491 577675 [email protected] [email protected]

Drew Yule Angela Urquhart Rural Development Worker Loch Ewe Action Forum Stirling Voluntary Association c/o Poolewe Village Hall Municipal Buildings Poolewe 8 Corn Exchange Road, Stirling Near Achnasheen FK8 3PX IV22 2LD 01786 469916 [email protected]

Nicole Wallace Inverness & Nairn Partnership The Green House Beechwood Business Park North Inverness IV2 3BW 01463 713504 [email protected]

Page 30 of 39 Appendix II Organisers’ and Presenters’ List

Veronica Adamson Sandy Anderson Director Head of Tourism and Support Services Glenaffric Ltd Highland Council 14 Lewiston Glenurquhart Road, Inverness Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV3 5NX IV63 6UW 01463 702045 01456 459106 [email protected] [email protected]

Carola Bell Helen Betts-Brown Consultant SCVO 36 South Dell 9 Ardross Terrace Ness, Isle of Lewis Inverness HS2 0SP IV3 5NQ 01851 810525 01463 235633 [email protected] [email protected]

Stuart Black Alan Bradley Director Government Markets Manager, Scotland Strengthening Communities Group Hamilton Post Office HIE 20/24 Brandon Street Bridge House, 20 Bridge Street Hamilton Inverness ML3 6AA IV1 1QR 01698 429307 01463 234171 [email protected] [email protected] Sam Brogan Laura Bridges Senior Childcare Development Officer SCVO Childcare and Early Education Unit 9 Ardross Terrace Highland Council Inverness Old School IV3 5NQ Clachnaharry, Inverness 01463 235633 IV3 8RB [email protected] 01463 711176 [email protected] Andrew Campbell Hilary Campbell Convener Depute Director Dumfries and Galloway Council SCVO Council Offices 18/19 Claremont Crescent English Street Edinburgh Dumfries EH7 4QD DG1 2DD 0131 556 3882 01387 260050

Polly Chapman Ann Clark Policy Officer Head of Policy The Highland Council The Highland Council Chief Executive's Office Chief Executive's Office Glenurquhart Road, Inverness Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX IV3 5NX 01463 702033 01463 702000 [email protected] [email protected]

Page 31 of 39 Appendix II Organisers’ and Presenters’ List

Sandy Cumming Martyn Evans Chief Executive Director Highlands and Islands Enterprise Scottish Consumer Council Bridge House, 20 Bridge Street Royal Exchange House Inverness 100 Queen Street, Glasgow IV1 1QR G1 3DN 01463 244204 0141 226 5261 [email protected] [email protected]

Fraser Falconer Ross Finnie National Co-ordinator Minister for Environment and Rural Development BBC Children in Need The Scottish Parliament Broadcasting House, Queen Street Rural Policy Team, Scottish Executive Edinburgh Pentland House EH2 1JF Edinburgh 0131 248 4225 EH14 4TY [email protected]

David Green Naomi Graham Convener Depute Manager Community Services The Highland Council NCH Members' Services Winchester House, 1 King Street Glenurquhart Road, Inverness Elgin IV3 5NX IV30 1EU 01463 702015 01343 549557 [email protected]

Carol Greer Jane Hamilton Area Advisory Officer Rural Policy Manager Citizens' Advice Scotland Land Use and Rural Policy Division David Whyte House Scottish Executive 57 Church Street Pentland House, Edinburgh Inverness EH14 4TY 01463 729142 0131 244 3103 [email protected] [email protected]

Adriènne Kelbie Ann Keatinge Director for Scotland Organiser National Lottery Charities Board Voluntary Groups - East Sutherland Norloch House Alba 36 King's Stables Road, Edinburgh Main Street EH1 2EJ Golspie 0131 221 7100 01408 633001 [email protected]

Stephen MacCormack Eric MacKenzie Head of Information Technology Project Manager SCVO Remote and Rural Services Resource Initiative 18/19 Claremont Crescent Tweeddale Buildings Edinburgh High Street EH7 4QD Fort William 0131 556 3882 01397 703136

Page 32 of 39 Appendix II Organisers’ and Presenters’ List

Ken MacKenzie Donnie Macleod Chief Officer Managing Director Scottish Co-op Macleod Organics Robert Owen House Kylerona Farm 87 Bath Street, Glasgow Ardersier G2 2EE IV2 7QQ 0141 3045405 01667 462555 [email protected]

Maureen Mallon David Martin Development Manager SCVO Youthlink Scotland 9 Ardross Terrace Central Hall, West Tollcross Inverness Edinburgh IV3 5NQ EH3 01463 235633 0131 229 0339 [email protected] [email protected] Julia Nelson Early Years Health Development Officer Lesley Paterson Childcare and Early Education Unit Project Manager Highland Council Highland Acute Hospitals Trust Old School Raigmore Hospital Clachnaharry, Inverness Inverness IV3 8RB 01463 705585 01463 711176 [email protected] [email protected] Jane Plenderleith Karen Pickles Director Supervisor Communities Glenaffric Ltd Ayrshire Electronic Community 14 Lewiston Caponacre Industrial Estate Drumnadrochit, Inverness Cumnock IV63 6UW 01290 428 300 01456 459106 [email protected]

Judith Riddell Lucy Scott Highland Youth Parliament Speaker c/o Veronica Mackay Ardross Community Hall The Highland Council Rose Cottage Glenurquhart Road Alness Inverness IV17 0YE IV3 5NX [email protected] [email protected]

Martin Sime Sheena Slimon Chief Executive Facilitator SCVO Laggan Community Association 18/19 Claremont Crescent Breakachy Farm Edinburgh Laggan EH7 4QD Inverness-Shire 0131 556 3882 01528 544238

Page 33 of 39 Appendix II Organisers’ and Presenters’ List

Maggie Symonds Helen Thomson Facilitator Head of Rural Services Assurance Team Calico UK The Countryside Agency 27 High Street Dacre House, 29 Dacre Street Cromarty London IV11 8YR SW1 HODH 01381 600580 020 7340 2918 [email protected] [email protected]

Geoff Weir Programme Co-ordinator Capacity Building Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland 120 George Street Edinburgh EH2 4LH 0131 225 4555

Page 34 of 39 Appendix III Presenters’ Biographies Sandy Anderson Sandy Anderson is Head of Tourism and Support Services with The Highland Council where his responsibilities include tourism and film development and voluntary sector support, including village halls. He has been involved in cultural and leisure management for over 25 years and has previously worked in Aberdeen, Hertfordshire and Northumberland. Carola Bell Carola Bell now works as an independent consultant having previously spent nine years as Co- ordinator of the Western Isles, Skye & Lochalsh LEADER Programme. She was active in the networking and trans-national aspects of LEADER and also managed development projects funded under other EU and UK funding regimes. Before this period of operational development activities, Carola spent six years working with the Arkleton Trust as part of the research team on ‘Rural Change in Europe: Farm Structure and Pluriactivity.’ She lives on a croft in the Isle of Lewis and has past involvement with the Crofters Union, Agricultural Training Board and Community Co- operatives. Stuart Black Stuart Black has been Director of the Strengthening Communities Group at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) since January 2001. Previously he was Head of Economics at HIE, and before that Lecturer in the Department of Land Economy at Aberdeen University. Stuart’s role includes overall management responsibility for HIE’s strengthening communities remit which includes community land, community action grants and projects, European Union community-based initiatives, arts and culture, Gaelic, the environment and transport. HIE’s spend on these activities in 1999/2000 was £4.6m, excluding staff and administration. Alan Bradley Alan Bradley is Government Markets Manager for Scotland with Consignia, and has responsibility for identifying commercial opportunities for the network of post offices within the Government sector. This includes the development and implementation of a strategic programme to build on the strengths of the network, including its unmatched reach, trusted brand and capabilities, to become the natural one-stop-shop for transactions, information and advice between government and citizens. Alan has been with the organisation for 19 years, holding a number of roles, including Retail Operations Manager, Client Manager for Gas Markets, and Senior Client Manager with responsibility for the commercial relationship between Post Office Counters Ltd and Centrica. Sam Brogan Sam Brogan qualified as a social worker in 1988 and worked initially in residential social work for Highland Region. Since 1990, her work with the local authority has been to recruit and support foster carers, respite carers and adopters. She also has responsibility for the registration and inspection of pre-five and pre-eight provision, and acts as local authority representative on various working groups dealing with early years childcare. In 1998, Sam was seconded as Childcare Development Manager for the Highland Childcare Partnership. This involves auditing childcare need, helping communities fill childcare gaps, and developing and implementing strategies looking at rural issues, Gaelic medium issues, special needs children and childcare training. Andrew Campbell OBE Andrew Campbell has been Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council since May 1999. He heads the Council’s Independent Group. He represents the Council on the Convention (COSLA) and the COSLA Rural Affairs Forum, and is a Member of the Community Planning Joint Board. Andrew is COSLA spokesperson on Rural Affairs. Other main offices previously or currently held include Board member of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board, Director of the Royal Highland Show and the Dumfries Agricultural Show, Board Member of Dumfries and Galloway Enterprise and the Scottish Agricultural College, Scottish Director of NFU Mutual Insurance Society, and Justice of the Peace. He farms at Cuil and has an interest in country sports and countryside issues.

Sandy Cumming Sandy Cumming was appointed Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in November 2000. He joined HIE as Director of Growing Businesses in 1998, having previously held the post of Chief Executive of Ross and Cromarty Enterprise. Before that, Sandy was Director of

Page 35 of 39 Appendix III Presenters’ Biographies Natural Resources Division at HIE and Strategic Planner with its predecessor organisation, the Highlands and Islands Development Board. Martyn Evans Martyn Evans is the Director of the Scottish Consumer Council. He is a visiting Professor of Law at the University of Strathclyde, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Martyn was Chief Executive Officer of Citizens’ Advice Scotland for five years prior to taking up his post with the Scottish Consumer Council. He was also the Director of Shelter (Scotland) from 1987-1992. He is past Chairman of the Glasgow Council for Single Homeless, Board member of Rural Forum, Convener of the Board of Trustees of Glasgow Stopover, and a non-executive director of SCVO. He is also a member of a number of government advisory groups and serves on the Constitutional Steering Group working party on codes of conduct for MSPs. Fraser Falconer Fraser Falconer has been National Co-ordinator of the BBC Children In Need Appeal in Scotland since 1990. The current levels of awards total approx. £2.5m in any one year. Since 1992, he has pioneered ways of making it more accessible for voluntary organisations to get first hand advice with their applications. He is also part of the Appeal’s UK Senior Management Team and the managerial team within BBC Scotland that produces the annual television and radio broadcasts. Fraser is currently Convenor of the Scottish Grant Making Trust Group. He is also a trustee of The John Watson Trust and Field of Dreams, and is currently a member of the Policy Committee of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. A graduate in Youth and Community Work from Moray House College, Fraser has also served as Area Youth and Community Worker for Invergordon, Ross and Cromarty, and worked for Goodwill in Glasgow, and Oxfam. Ross Finnie MSP Ross Finnie is Minister for the Environment and Rural Development. Mr Finnie was a Liberal Democrat councillor on Inverclyde Council before his election as an MSP. He was Liberal Democrat spokesperson on economic affairs and finance. A self-employed chartered accountant and corporate financial adviser, he was educated in Greenock and still lives and works in the town. He is regional list MSP for West of Scotland. Naomi Graham Naomi Graham is Depute Manager, Community Services with the NCH Action for Children Moray Family Resource Project. The project offers a range of community-based services for families and young children across a large rural area. The aim of the project is to help and support families experiencing difficulties by providing play and social opportunities, group programmes, a home visiting service, and by complementing the work of other agencies. The Moray Mobile Toy library has over 1,000 toys in stock, and covers the whole district in a 4-week rota. David Green David Green is Leader and Convener of The Highland Council. He serves on all Council committees and chairs the Policy and Resources Committee. With a background in chartered accounting and hotels, David now owns and runs a working croft and a small self-catering business in Achiltibuie in Wester Ross. He is a commissioner with the Crofters’ Commission. Carol Greer Carol Greer is employed by Citizens’ Advice Scotland as the Area Advisory Officer for the North, covering Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, Highland and Grampian. Her roles include quality assurance, development and consultancy and advice for all the Citizens’ Advice Bureaux in the area. Prior to this, Carol was head of Training and Business Development with Ross and Cromarty Enterprise and worked on the Skillseekers Programme with HIE. She previously worked as a training offer with Highland Council, delivering mainly management and communication skills training. Jane Hamilton Jane Hamilton is Rural Policy Manager within the Land Use and Rural Policy Division of the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department. She heads the Rural Policy Team, with responsibility for the development of Scottish Executive’s rural policy, as well as co- ordinating the Executive’s policies and actions which affect rural Scotland. Jane joined The Scottish Office in 1989 and has held a number of posts in various areas including the Industry Department, Sea Fisheries Division, Forestry Review Group, and three years as Regeneration Policy Manager

Page 36 of 39 Appendix III Presenters’ Biographies with responsibility for the development and implementation of Scottish urban and area regeneration policy. Jon Harris Jon Harris is Director of Corporate Strategy in COSLA.. He is responsible for all cross-cutting issues, including rural and urban affairs, European affairs ,community planning, best value, equalities, social justice, health improvement and community safety. Later this year Jon will take responsibility for the new Policy and Legislation team in COSLA which will also include policy issues relating to individual services provided by local government. Ann Keatinge Ann Keatinge is the Organiser of Voluntary Groups – East Sutherland, a Council of Voluntary Service, which provides practical and advisory services to the voluntary sector in East Sutherland. She has held this post for over nine years. She is a Director and founder member of the Sutherland Partnership, whose aim is to advance the social and economic development of the area. She sits on local advisory groups for community development and represents the voluntary sector on the Highland Community Planning Officers’ Group. She also serves on several multi-agency forums, including the Sutherland Drug and Alcohol Forum, the Community Care Forum, and the Community Safety Local Action Team. Adriènne Kelbie Adriènne Kelbie has led the National Lottery Charities Board since December 1998, most significantly through its re-branding to Community Fund in April 2001. She was instrumental in the updating of the main grants assessment, and the introduction of a simplified application process for modest grants. She oversees the operation of the Awards for All scheme on behalf of all distributors. Adriènne continues to drive a proactive agenda for Scotland, and is very keen to develop opportunities to work more closely and appropriately with others, in particular Councils of Voluntary Services and local authorities. Prior to joining NLCB, Adriènne worked in the voluntary sector in Glasgow as a trainer, fundraiser, co-ordinator and project manager, gaining expertise in European, Scottish Office and Trust funding. Eric MacKenzie Eric MacKenzie is Project Manager for the Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative (RARARI). This is a Scottish Executive Health Department programme which aims to address the service delivery and professional issues faced by the NHS in providing modern, quality care to remote and rural communities in Scotland. RARARI is based in Fort William. Ken MacKenzie Ken MacKenzie is Chief Officer of Scottish Co-op which is part of the Co-operative Group (CWS) Ltd. Ken has worked for the Co-op in Scotland for 23 years, taking up his current position in 1992. Scottish Co-op operates supermarkets the length and breadth of Scotland from Lerwick to Wigtown, Stornoway to Peterhead, Barra to Anstruther. The organisation employs 6,500 people in Scotland and is currently undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment and acquisition programme. Its capital investment in Scotland in 2000 was in excess of £80m. Donnie MacLeod Donnie MacLeod owns and runs an organic farming business at Ardersier. The business has been in operation for three years. It includes an organic café and shop, as well as a box scheme delivering fresh organic produce to over 600 customers all over the Highlands. Donnie comes from a farming background, and has worked in the sales and marketing departments of large companies. A core aim of the business is to expand and promote organic production, processing and consumption in the Highlands. Maureen Mallon Maureen Mallon is Development Manager with YouthLink Scotland. Her responsibilities include creative arts and sustainable development, and the management of all development and training activities. She represents YouthLink on a range of UK and Scottish networks including the PAULO National Training Organisation, and is active in the setting of occupational standards in youth work, and community education validation and endorsement. She is also involved in supporting youth empowerment activity including the Scottish Youth Parliament. Prior to working with YouthLink, Maureen worked for eight years with local adult education and guidance projects across Scotland.

Page 37 of 39 Appendix III Presenters’ Biographies Her voluntary experience includes working in a range of capacities for ten years with the Prince’s Trust and the Scottish Guide Development committee. Julia Nelson Julia Nelson has worked with Children in Scotland since 1993 on a programme to encourage the growth of childcare services in rural areas. The programme has provided information and advice on issues such as funding opportunities and examples of initiatives, and undertaken research projects. Julia recently moved to a new post, jointly funded by Highland Council and the Highland Health Board, aimed at promoting health and well-being for young children. Lesley Paterson Lesley Paterson is the Project Manager for the Electronic Clinical Communications Implementation project with the Highland Health Board. She has worked within the NHS in Highland for 8 years, and has recently completed an MBA with a dissertation subject of ‘Strengthening the patient’s voice’. The nationally funded ECCI project aims to improve communications between primary and secondary care clinicians and their teams. The project is implementing a range of electronic systems to improve the quality of information shared by those providing care. Early evidence is that rural practices find these systems of particular benefit. Karen Pickles Karen Pickles is Supervisor Communities with the Ayrshire Electronic Community based in Cumnock. Ayrshire Electronic Community is active in the Social Inclusion Partnership areas of North and East Ayrshire and is upgrading and installing new ICT community resources in community centres and libraries. Funded by a range of partners including the European regional Development Fund, the project runs from November 1999 until December 2001. Karen joined the Communities team in February 2001, having previously worked for The British Council for 10 years in Jordan and South Africa. Her background is in science and engineering, including four years’ research and development with an engineering manufacturing company. Judith Riddell Judith Riddell lives in Tain and attends Tain Royal Academy. Judith represents the Highland Youth Voice, which is an elected Parliament of young people from all over Highland, and is supported by the Wellbeing Alliance. The Youth Voice held their elections in October 2000, with their first meeting in November at Carbisdale Castle. At their inaugural meeting, the parliament prioritised drugs and alcohol as the first issue to be addressed, and they have since researched and produced a drugs awareness leaflet. In June of this year, Judith was elected a member of the Executive Committee, which meets monthly and enables the Youth Voice to progress issues. At a Highland and national level, the Youth Voice has been very successful in gaining recognition and ensuring that the views of young people are listened to. They have demonstrated that young people are willing and able to become involved in their communities and have a valuable contribution to make.

Lucy Scott Lucy Scott lives in the small rural community of Ardross in Easter Ross (population 430). She was part of a 22-strong committee representing many user groups and interests in Ardross who raised over £500,000 in 3 years to build a new community hall. Her role was to co-ordinate the preparation and submit applications for funding to a number of different public organisations and private trusts and foundations. Martin Sime Martin Sime is Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, the umbrella body for the voluntary sector in Scotland. SCVO represents the views of its 1200+ members to government, and seeks to promote the interests and improve the effectiveness of the voluntary sector. Until 1991, Martin was Director of the Scottish Association for Mental Health. Prior to joining the voluntary sector in 1983, he was a sheep farmer on the Isle of Lewis. He is a member of the Scottish Advisory Task Force on New Deal, and was a member of the Expert Panel on Procedures that drew up the framework for the operations of the Scottish Parliament. He is Secretary of the Scottish Civic Forum and a Board Member of the Scottish Community Foundation, a member of the UK National Commission for UNESCO and the NGO Advisory Committee to the Commonwealth Foundation.

Page 38 of 39 Appendix III Presenters’ Biographies Sheena Slimon Sheena Slimon was secretary for ten years of Laggan Community Trading, a local shop bought some 15 years ago by the local community and run by a voluntary management committee. The shop is licensed and has an annual turnover of around £12,000. The upper floor provides community office and resource centre accommodation. Sheena was also heavily involved in the purchase of four ex-forestry housing by the organisation. She established the Laggan Rural Partnership and chaired this organisation for 5 years. Sheena is The Highland Councillor for Badenoch West. Maggie Symonds Maggie Symonds is a Director of Calico UK. Calico is the only Highlands and Islands based internet service provider, offering dial-up access, web hosting and authoring services. The company also has a training arm, and a consultancy specialising in the development of strategies for lifelong learning and rural community-based projects. Maggie’s key qualifications are as advisor, consultant and practitioner on all aspects of remote working and learning from the viewpoint of an educationalist, a user and a technical provider. She lives and works in Cromarty on the Black Isle. Helen Thomson Helen Thomson is Head of the Rural Services Assurance Team at the Countryside Agency. The Countryside Agency is a statutory body which advises the government and other decision makers in environmental, social and economic issues affecting the English countryside. It undertakes research and funds a number of demonstration projects and a limited number of practical programmes. As Head of Rural Services Helen is responsible for the Agency’s work on social exclusion, services and work with the voluntary sector. Geoff Weir Geoff Weir is Programme Co-ordinator for Capacity Building with the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland in Edinburgh. The Foundation will disburse in excess of £6 million to charitable organisations in Scotland this year. The Capacity Building programme runs in parallel with the Foundation’s donations to grassroots charities, providing funds to facilitate strategic planning and business development. Geoff was formerly with Lloyds TSB for 34 years, latterly as Senior Manager in the retail network. He took early retirement at the age of 50 and moved on to work with the Foundation.

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