January Newsletter

Hi folks,

We hope 2026 has been good to you so far!

You may have noticed that our newsletter has had a bit of a revamp. We felt it was getting a little too long and clunky so we decided to lighten it up a bit. Still the same celebration and recognition for the incredible work our members do, just less to wade through when we know how busy those inboxes can get - we hope you like it!

This Month’s Climate Highlights

National Hub Website

We are so pleased to announce that after some time working alongside the other 23 Climate Hubs in Scotland and of course the amazing web designers, Yellow Cherry. based in Highland - we finally have a National ‘Climate Hubs Scotland’ website ready to share.

The website includes information on each hub and lots more content will soon be added to include news, blogs and images. Being part of the Hub network allows us to share knowledge, ideas, successes and challenges with a huge pool of likeminded, community led organisations and we can't wait for you to have better access to community stories from Scotland as a whole. We hope you'll be as inspired as we are when we learn more about fellow Hubs!

Check it out!

Climate Change Plan Consultations

Thank you to everyone who took part in our Climate Change Plan conversations this January.
We held two online sessions and one in-person event in Inverness for Hub members to share views on the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our Helmsdale event last minute due to staff illness - our sincerest apologies once again.

Your contributions - whether shared at events or by email - helped shape a collective Highlands & Islands response rooted in real community experience. We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to have their say. Thank you!

Ways to get involved this month

Young Sea Changers Scotland: Get Involved

Aged 16-25 and interested in the sea? Young Sea Changers Scotland empowers young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to stand up for our seas.

Join the online community to connect with other young people, access events & opportunities, keep up to date with marine news and work with others to take action to protect Scotland’s amazing marine environment.

Learn more and sign up.

Orkney Climate Fair

A full day of ideas, action, and community - from circular economy workshops to repair sessions, family activities, and brilliant local stalls.

King Street Halls, Kirkwall

Saturday 7 February 2026

11am – 5pm (closed from 1-2pm)

Find out more via the Facebook Event.

Book and find out more about the Orkney Circular Economy Workshop on Eventbrite.

Pop by, get inspired, and be part of Orkney’s greener future!

Climate Action Fund closes tomorrow

Just under 24 hours left! Community groups across the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland can apply for up to £1,000 to bring their community-led climate action projects to life - big or small.

Got a bright climate idea? Now’s the time to make it happen.

Please note, the Climate Action Fund will re-open in the Spring.

Deadline: 31st January - 4pm

Apply today

Applications Open - Shetland Climate Action Ting (PB)

Applications for the Climate Action Ting opened on 13 January and will close on 11 February. We’re encouraging community groups and organisations of all kinds to get involved, and to help spread the word to anyone who might have an idea, big or small, that could make Shetland greener, more resilient, and more sustainable.

If you know someone who might be interested, please share this opportunity, we’re excited to see what our communities will create together through Climate Action Ting.

More ways to get involved

Around the Membership

New Eco-Warriors Project for North Kessock Pupils

Go Flourish received funding from the Hub for Eco-Warriors at North Kessock Primary School. Pupils from P1–P7 will work with Go Flourish Liaison Teacher Laura Dorantt to increase garden biodiversity while learning sustainable growing, composting, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly alternatives.

This project forms part of the wider Go Flourish programme, supporting curriculum learning in the garden, strengthening children’s connection to nature, and acting as a pilot for wider rollout across other schools.

New Faces at Lybster Men’s Shed

In January, Latheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Development Company hosted a Saturday open day to welcome new members to their Men’s Shed, with tours, bacon butties and soup, model dioramas, and a talk by Jonathan Kemp, Viscount Rochdale, who is undertaking a 10-month journey to raise funds for mental health charities.

Men's Sheds can be an important part of the circular economy. As well as the fantastic social aspects, they also encourage resourcefulness and encourage sustainability through their practice of renewal and reusing items for community benefit.

Inverness Tool Library Volunteers Gain PAT Skills

Keeping tools safe is a big part of what Inverness Tool Library does, and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) plays a key role. Recently, Mark, the library’s PAT-qualified volunteer, led two hands-on workshops giving volunteers a chance to get stuck in with the testing equipment before taking the online PAT course, funded by the library. It’s a brilliant opportunity for volunteers to pick up a practical, transferable qualification while helping keep the library running safely and smoothly.

Path Restored at Camus a’ Mhòr-bheòil in Skye

Portree and Braes Community Trust received funding from the Hub last summer to reinstate a path from the main road at Gedintailor, Braes, to Camus a’ Mhòr-bheòil beach. Due to safety challenges, local contractor Skye Conservation carried out the work, improving drainage and stabilising steep sections to prevent erosion.

Their officers walked the path to admire and record the work completed and the footage is available to watch here.

More News from our Members

Member Spotlight - coming in February

If you would like to be included, please get in touch with ettamay@hiclimatehub.co.uk with a short paragraph about your organisation and what Climate Change means to you, please also include a picture of your team. We are looking forward to celebrating our members further!

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