March Newsletter

Hi everyone,

March has been a busy month! From highlights of the successful Shetland Climate Action Ting to plenty of new ways to get involved and funding opportunities, there’s a lot happening across our communities.

This month, we’re also sharing updates on our new podcast, member news, funding opportunities, and shining a light on ILM Highland in our Member Spotlight.

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

This Month’s Climate Highlights

Shetland Climate Action Ting

We saw a real sense of community at our recent Climate Action Ting in Lerwick, where local groups came together to share their ideas for tackling climate change.

Held at Mareel on 14 March, the event gave people the chance to vote for the projects they wanted to see funded -from rewilding to greener transport.

More than £60,000 was awarded on the day, supporting grassroots initiatives and highlighting the passion for climate action across Shetland.

You can read more about the successful projects here.

The Climate Craic Podcast lands in April!

Big topics, local voices and a bit of banter. Climate Craic is the Hub’s new podcast exploring climate action across the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland. The people, the projects and the practical steps making a real difference.

First episode drops in April - stay tuned by subscribing to our YouTube Channel.

Ways to get involved this month

Community Resilience Stress Testing Model Pilot

The Highlands & Islands Climate Hub is piloting a new way to stress test Community Resilience Plans in three Highland communities.

Using realistic, scenario-based workshops, communities will put their existing plans to the test, identify any gaps, and gain practical insights to strengthen them.

To take part, your group must already have a completed resilience plan in place. Each session will last around two hours and be guided by Hub facilitators in a supportive, informal setting.

The Hub is also seeking feedback to help shape this approach for communities across the region.

Interested? Get in touch: enquiries@hiclimatehub.co.uk

Youth Impact Fund

The Highland Youth Local Action Group are launching its Youth Impact Fund for 2026, offering grants to support young people to lead projects across the Highlands.

Young people aged 16–30 can apply for up to £500, while organisations supporting youth-led activity can access up to £2,000. Funding is available for projects that help young people connect, develop skills, build confidence and drive positive change in their communities.

The fund opens on 1 April and closes on 15 May, supported by The Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Funding and facilitated by the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub.

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.

Find out more about the fund and how to get involved in the YLAG.

DTAS Annual Conference

The Development Trusts Association Scotland has announced that bookings are now open for its Annual Conference 2026, taking place on 1-2 September at Glasgow Caledonian University.

This is the first stage of booking, with delegates invited to select workshops and study visits at a later date once confirmed.

A limited number of bursaries are also available for existing and early-stage members who may not otherwise be able to attend. If you plan to apply, you should wait for a decision before booking your ticket. Applications must be submitted by 13 April 2026.

For more information, visit the DTAS website or get in touch at conference@dtascot.org.uk.

Dynamic Coast

Dynamic Coast is encouraging the public to report coastal erosion as it happens via its online tool.

These real-time reports help inform the Scottish Government and local authorities as they plan for climate adaptation.

Anyone who spots a new area of erosion can submit a quick, straightforward form on the Dynamic Coast website, helping build a clearer national picture of coastal change.

Youth Ocean Action Funding

The Youth Ocean Action Fund has reopened its Project Grant for 2026, supporting young people to bring bold ideas for ocean advocacy to life.

Delivered by Young Sea Changers Scotland, the fund offers grants of £100–£500 for youth-led projects tackling marine issues such as pollution, fishing and climate change.

Open to 16–25 year olds in Scotland, funding is available for campaigns, events or project ideas taking place before December 2026. A series of free online sessions will also support applicants in developing their ideas. Book here.

Applications close on 4 May at 9am, with full details available on the Youth for Seas website.

More ways to get involved

Around the Membership

Golspie reuse project funded

Golspie Youth Action Project has secured £29,740 from Highland Council to create a Community Reuse Shed in Golspie.

Based at the village charity shop, the project will help reduce waste while making everyday items more accessible to those in need.

GYAP has also received £5,000 from the Corra Foundation to support local families with food and fuel.

Bike skills boost for Inverness cyclists

Velo City has been running bike maintenance classes at the James Cameron Centre, helping people build confidence in understanding and repairing their bikes.

Participants have learned practical skills and received tools such as puncture repair kits to get them started.

Alongside this, Velo City offers weekly social rides and skills sessions, supporting more people to get into cycling and travel more sustainably.

Find out more here or send them an email if you'd like support in starting cycling at - velocityinverness@gmail.com.

Hilton Milton Clean Up

The Hilton, Milton and Castle Heather Community Clean Up returns tomorrow - Saturday 28 March, with a range of activities taking place across the area from 10:30am.

Residents can join litter picks at Castle Heather Park, Hilton Community Centre and Milton Pitches Club House, as well as a weeding session at Hilton Community Centre. Equipment will be available, though volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves or tools if they have them.

The Hilton Duck Pond Volunteers are also hosting regular sessions throughout the year, giving locals the chance to come together and help care for the park.

Join the group on Facebook.

Feel, Heal, Real Food

Skye Climate Action is developing its ReRoot project, an initiative focused on creating a more connected, healthy and resilient local food system in Broadford and beyond.

ReRoot brings communities together to explore how local food production, sustainability and resilience can be strengthened in the face of climate change and rising pressures on food supply.

By encouraging collaboration and sharing knowledge, the project aims to support a more secure and sustainable food future for Skye.

Find out more here.

More News from our Members

Member Spotlight

Repair Café marks first year of success

This month marks one year of Repair Café Highland. Since launching in March 2025, the ILM Highland project has helped residents repair items, reduce waste, and learn new skills, now reaching communities across the Highlands.

In its first year, 190 participants repaired 120 items, preventing 350kg of waste and reducing CO₂ emissions by over 3,200kg. Volunteers have been central to its success, keeping the initiative growing and sustainable.

Amazing!

For more information, contact: sue.muir@ilmhighland.co.uk or join the Repair Café.

Read more here.

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