The North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub are preparing for an increase in workload in early 2023.
The below is a note of a press release which was circulated to Highlands and Islands Islands newspapers early December 2022.
The Hub is a Scottish Government funded initiative with headquarters in Thurso, Caithness and staff positioned throughout the region which currently stretches from Shetland to Inverness. The aim of the Hub is to support communities to take positive climate action via various means. Thanks to the Hub’s successes to date, Scottish Government has asked the team to widen the geographical area it covers.
From early 2023, the Hub will serve the full Highland Council region as well as the Islands and therefore, the team are set to embark on a rebranding process to reflect this change. The Hub will change from the North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub to the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. The change comes after much discussion with Scottish Government and community groups within the Skye and Fort William area. Each community within the Highlands and Islands has its own specific needs, desires, and goals.
Project Manager Joan Lawrie and Hub & Membership Coordinator Marion travelled to Skye and Lochaber in November 2022 to engage in discussion with Lochaber Environmental Group, Skye Climate Action and Broadford and Strath Community Company about the proposed changes and what that would mean for those within these communities.
Joan Lawrie said:
“We felt strongly that we needed to visit these communities in person rather than online so that we could see firsthand the incredible work they are doing and to show our commitment to covering their areas within our patch. We have spoken online on many occasions, so it was lovely to see real people! While our headquarters are in Thurso, we are eager to offer equal commitment to all the communities we cover and discussed this in detail with Scottish Government. We were thrilled to be so warmly welcomed in Lochaber & Skye and enjoyed some brilliant conversations. I am so pleased we are all singing from the same hymn sheet. I cannot wait to get started properly and build on the strong networks which are already in place in these areas.”
The increase in geographical area means more work for the Hub which currently employs 5 people. Recruitment will begin in the coming weeks so that a Senior Development Officer and Community Engagement Officers can be positioned throughout the region to ensure all communities are served equally and effectively. The Hub team will work closely with organisations within each community and take direction from them regarding requirements. At present, the Hub employs three staff members in Caithness and two in Inverness.
Hub & Membership Coordinator, Marion Reid said:
“The transition to cover the Highlands and Islands rather than the North Highlands and Islands is exciting but we are acutely aware of the importance of having staff embedded across the region to allow for best results. Communities know their place best and so we will be working closely with organisations to ensure we are doing all we can to reach people with our information and support. We are so grateful to Lochaber Environmental Group, Skye Climate Action & Broadford & Strath Community Company for their warm welcome, words of encouragement and offers of support with the recruitment which will follow shortly before Christmas.”