April Newsletter

Hi everyone,

We’ve had a great month between the rain and shine and we hope you have too.

This month, we’re sharing new and exciting opportunities for funding and how to get involved in the decision making of how our Climate Action Fund is distributed through a new members panel, the launch of HI Climate Collective exclusively for those lucky enough to be between 16-30 years old, a training week based on member feedback, member news and so much more!

Have a read to catch up on everything that’s been going on!

This Month’s Hub Highlights

Climate Action Fund opens on 1st of May

Communities across the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland can apply for up to £1,000 through the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub’s Climate Action Fund from the 1st of May.

The fund supports community-led projects tackling climate change - from practical activities to early-stage ideas and consultations. Applications open once a quarter, with additional support available to help bring projects to life.

Find out more and apply here.

Climate Action Fund Members Panel

We’re looking to recruit member organisations of the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub to form a funding panel which decides how our Climate Action Fund is distributed throughout Highland, Orkney and Shetland.

You don’t need to have experience in making funding decisions previously to be involved and being involved does not affect your eligibility to apply to the fund.

See more details here.

Breaking Barriers Fund

Grants of up to £1,000 will be available from 1st May to support community projects facing unexpected costs that could otherwise halt progress.

This funding is designed as a last resort and can be used for unforeseen expenses such as community engagement costs, planning or licensing fees, or project-related legal costs (excluding staffing or HR).

It is only available where costs cannot be covered through other funding sources - and once allocated, the funding is gone.

Apply here.

Highlands and Islands Climate Festival Funding - now open!

The Highlands and Islands Climate festival is back for 2026. We can’t wait to celebrate all the incredible community led climate action from 1st - 30th September and beyond.

Applications are welcome NOW for the Event Contribution Fund which offers £150 to groups hosting events that align with the theme of ‘think local’ within event dates. For 2026, we have a special emphasis on food and celebration as it is the 5th Birthday of the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub!

Apply now.

Shetland Climate Action Ting on film

Back in March, we welcomed residents of Shetland to the Climate Action Ting. Community groups all over Shetland applied for grants of up to £7500 to go towards their project and through a series of online and in-person voting - the people of Shetland decided on which projects the money will go towards.

It was great to see participatory budgeting in action - giving people real power to decide how funding is spent in their area and supporting grassroots climate solutions. We can’t wait to see how the projects develop!

We have put together a video of the day which you can watch here.

Join the Highland Youth Local Action Group

The Highland Youth Local Action Group launched its Youth Impact Fund this month, offering grants to support young people to lead projects across the Highlands.

The fund closes on 15 May and you can find out more/apply here.

As well as opening the Youth Impact Fund, The Highland Youth Local Action Group is also recruiting new members aged 16-30 to help shape funding decisions for young people across the Highlands.

Get involved.

Training Week!

In response to member requests, we’ve developed a whole week dedicated to training which has been designed to exclusively support members to progress their climate action goals.

Sessions take place from 25th - 29th May and include;

Carbon Literacy
Funding Masterclass
Creating a Resilience Plan
Creating a Net Zero Policy

Ways to get involved this month

HIEF Funding Opportunity

The Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation (HIEF) are accepting applications for the next round of funding, with an Expression of Interest deadline of Wednesday 13th May.

Community-led groups aiming to protect and restore nature are encouraged to apply for grants, ranging from £5,000 to £20,000. There are also opportunities to receive match-funding towards a Crowdfunder campaign (more here).

Find out more and apply here.

Any groups interested are encouraged to contact louis@hief.scot for feedback on their proposal prior to applying.

Young Sea Changers Traineeship

For the second year running, Young Sea Changers are offering a paid traineeship for a young person from a Black or minority ethnic background, recognising the lack of diversity and accessible entry-level opportunities in the marine sector.

The flexible, part-time, remote (Scotland-based) role runs for 10 weeks from July to September and focuses on training, skills and network building.

Full details, including how to apply, are available here. The deadline is 9am on Tuesday 19th May, and Young Sea Changers welcome informal chats about the role.

ILM Highland Hiring

ILM Highland are currently recruiting as they continue to grow and expand their community workshop offerings. They have several exciting opportunities available, including:

Electrical Technician
Community Engagement Officer
Finance Assistant
White Goods Technician

Further details on each of these roles can be found here.

Climate Café Information Sessions

Interested in a friendly space to talk about climate change and its impact on your community?

Join a free introductory session from the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub to learn about Climate Cafés-what they are, how they run, and how they could work in your area.

Wednesday 6th May
- 12-1.30pm – Glenmore Visitor Centre & Café, Aviemore
- 6-7.30pm – Fiona’s Wholefoods, Grantown-on-Spey

Book via Eventbrite.

These events are part of Cairngorms 2030, a programme by the Cairngorms National Park Authority supported by The National Lottery.

Sign the Highland Charter for Climate, Nature & Health

The Highland Climate, Nature & Health Charter brings together organisations and individuals across the Highlands committed to taking practical action for climate, nature and community wellbeing.

By signing the Charter, you become part of a growing network working to make a positive impact locally. It is a simple step that demonstrates your commitment and offers an opportunity to share your actions and progress.

Whether you are part of a community group, an organisation, or acting as an individual, we encourage you to sign the Charter and be part of this collective effort.

Sign the Charter.

Member Connect

Thank you to everyone who came along to the April Members Networking session, it was lovely to see you. A huge thank you to Sue Muir from Alness Repair Cafe for sharing detail on their project and to all who discussed interesting points afterwards.

We’ve revamped the name to Members Connect but you can expect the same, informal networking opportunities!

The May Members Connect session takes place on the 28th May between 1 & 2pm. Join us while you enjoy your lunch to chat, network and learn what fellow members and the Hub are working on.

Book now.

More ways to get involved

Around the Membership

Tomb of the Eagles

The South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust has taken a major step towards sustainability at the Tomb of the Eagles Visitor Centre, thanks to support from the Climate Action Fund and the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.

A new solar PV and battery system has been installed to help meet rising energy demand as the site returns to full operation for the first time since 2019. The system-featuring a 10kW ground-mounted array and 20kW battery storage-will help reduce costs, cut carbon emissions, and improve resilience at this remote, year-round site.

Merkinch Month on Cùra

Cùra Guardian continues to grow, now working with global partners to produce Feature Stories and Insights that combine science, storytelling and visual content to make environmental issues more accessible and engaging.

“Merkinch Month on Cùra” will run from 1-31 May, showcasing the Merkinch Nature Reserve through daily images, feature articles and interviews on key species and local environmental issues-highlighting the area’s natural richness and encouraging wider interest in nature.

Repair Café Orkney celebrates their first year!

Repair Repair Café Orkney is celebrating its first birthday - marking a successful year of fixing, sharing skills and bringing the community together.

Supported by Greener Orkney, the volunteer-led events help locals repair broken items for free (with donations welcome), while enjoying tea, home baking and a chat. Since launching in Stromness in May 2025, the project has already inspired a second café in South Ronaldsay - and recently hosted its first event in Kirkwall.

With dozens of items already saved from landfill and more events planned, Repair Café Orkney continues to prove that small fixes can make a big difference.
We’re thrilled that Greener Orkney & the Orkney Repair Cafe make up part of the Orkney Circular Economy Network.

Member Spotlight

Highland People’s Power - Sunshine in Highland!

HPP’s solar pilot is installing panels and battery storage on eight community buildings across the Highlands to cut energy costs and support local hubs.

They provide electricity at a fixed 15p/kWh, well below market rates, with maintenance and insurance fully covered. Surplus energy is sold to the grid and reinvested into community projects.

With feasibility work and planning complete and funding support secured through CARES, they are now moving toward installation-delivering long-term savings and energy security for Highland communities.

Find out more.

Become a Member