Aisling’s August: Connecting with Local Climate Champions
New to the Climate Hub, Aisling has been visiting local groups across the Inner Moray Firth - from Dunain Community Woodland to the Cromarty Community Garden - and has been inspired by the creativity and dedication of local volunteers.

Through these visits, common themes are emerging, particularly around volunteer retention. If you have tips, ideas, or experience in keeping volunteers engaged, Aisling would love to hear from you: aisling@hiclimatehub.co.uk.

Read more about Aisling’s August here.

A day at the Lochaber Show
Katy had a fantastic first time at the Lochaber Show, where she showcased the work the Hub does, the weather and story map, the Highland Climate Conference and a little about the festival. Katy said it was great to meet so many people, share ideas, and spark conversations about building a cleaner energy future together.

The First Minister’s Visit to Shetland
Last week Andrea attended Shetland’s Future: Our Seat at the Table, a sold-out forum with First Minister John Swinney. Andrea said; “the evening was inspiring - discussions ranged from local culture to community-led energy projects, and I was struck by how much can be achieved when communities take the lead.”

Earlier, the First Minister visited the Garth wind farm in Yell, praising it as a “shining example” of local determination. Andrea made sure to ask about oil and gas in Shetland, raising the need for a shift to renewables. “It was a reminder of the real impact local communities can have” she said. You can read more about the visit here.

The Highlands & Islands Climate Festival is almost here!
It’s almost Festival time!
There will be an array of events happening throughout the Highlands & Islands so keep an eye on our social media platforms and on our interactive map here to start planning!

Although the Festival is upon us, it is not too late to take part. Find out more about the HICF 2025 on its website, here or emailing us on hello@hiclimatefest.co.uk if you’d like to create your own event.

Hosting an event? Add it to our interactive map here.

Highland Climate Conference updates
Tickets are still on sale for the Highland Climate Conference. The conference will be the culmination of the month long Highland Climate Festival and provide an opportunity for changemakers from our community, public and private sector to come together in innovative and collaborative discussions and networking. Speakers will be revealed in the next few weeks.

Tickets are £20 for Community Group Members of the Hub and all other tickets are a standard £40.

Tickets can be purchased here or by emailing enquiries@hiclimatehub.co.uk.

We would love to see you there. 

Introducing the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map! We have partnered up with Highland Adapts to share our interactive Highland Weather & Climate story map.

Dive in and share your own weather story - where it happened, how it impacted your life, and what it means to you.
Your voices will help shape our understanding of local climate risks and drive community-led action for a resilient Highland.
Add your story now.

Nairn Books and Arts Festival 2025
We are looking forward to this year’s festival, and delighted to be supporting as a partner. We are pleased to say this year’s celebration has now begun and takes place until the 7th September. The Festival is inspired by the coastal and maritime themes. You can find the programme here, or you can grab yourself a physical copy from Nairn Community & Arts Centre and Nairn Bookshop. The programme features a 'tide' of workshops, exhibitions, live music, special events & more taking place.

Orkney International Science Festival 2025
We’re proud to sponsor the Orkney International Science Festival (4–10 September 2025) this year, a week of inspiring talks, workshops, music, and family fun in Kirkwall. This year’s festival celebrates the centenary of quantum theory, showcases Orkney’s rich heritage, and launches the first Orkney Climate COP. Join us in exploring science, culture, and bold new ideas. Book your tickets and view the events here.

Funding Finder
Read the latest Funding Finder for our members, which totals funds over £1.5 million. Find the August edition here.

Members Events Map
Along with being able to see what's coming up at the Hub, you can now see what's coming up from our members. Our members are invited to share their events on our new dedicated events map on the Hub’s website - an exclusive membership perk. See & add to the map here.

Highlands & Islands Climate Festival Events Map
Holding a Climate Festival Event? We encourage you to add your Climate Festival events to our interactive map here. Last year, we were thrilled to have over 115 events take place across the Highlands & Islands to celebrate the festival and we hope for the same this year.

Pre-loved clothes sale in Inverness
The Highland Well-ness Collective are working together with RASAH (Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland) to put on THE pre-loved clothes sale of all pre-loved clothes sales. Grab a bargain and support local worthy causes.

Taking place on the 27th of September in WASPS, Stephens St, Inverness between 10:30am and 12:30pm. £10 entry.

Transformation Challenge Funday
The Cairngorms Repair Cafe - ‘Transformation Challenge’ is taking place this Sunday 31st August. Individuals or groups are welcome to come with ideas, materials and tools with the aim to create new from old!

Although the deadline has passed to reserve a space, please email repaircafe@boathall.org.uk or message the Repair Cafe on Facebook to request a space.

Sustainable Spaces
Transform your community building into a sustainable space with an environmental policy & action plan, supported by the Hub’s Team of Development Officers. Support & training available now.

Food Hygiene Hero
The Hub offers training hose wishing to undertake our fully funded Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering course. Suitable for staff or volunteers involved in the delivery of a food waste project based in the Highlands or Northern Isles. Apply here.

Free Circular Economy Training in the Highlands
Two great opportunities are happening in Inverness this September for anyone in the Highlands (or with links to the area) who wants to learn more about how our everyday choices connect to climate change:

Carbon Literacy Training - 9 September 2025 at the Spectrum Centre. Become certified as Carbon Literate.

Introductory Workshop - 19 September 2025 at the Spectrum Centre. A concise introduction to the Circular Economy.

Both sessions are free, thanks to the Highland Community Waste Partnership, Keep Scotland Beautiful, and Circular Communities Scotland.
Register here.

Climate Fresk Training coming to Nairn and Grantown-on-Spey
A Climate Fresk is a collaborative, science-based workshop that simplifies climate science, raising awareness and engaging participants creatively to foster understanding and action on climate change.

The sessions will take place in the Highland Weigh in Nairn on the 17th of September from 6pm-8pm and the YMCA in Grantown-on-Spey on the 18th of September from 7pm-9pm - both ran by our very own Katy & Fiona.

Both events are free - book your Nairn space here and your Grantown-on-Spey space here. We hope to see you there!

Powering Highland Communities Together
This summer Highland People’s Power has been out and about at Highland gatherings across Sutherland and beyond – from Dornoch, Bettyhill and Durness to Lochinver and Lairg. They said; “Despite the mixed weather, it’s been fantastic to meet so many of you, share our plans for community solar, and hear your ideas for building a cleaner energy future together.

If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or explore whether your hall or community building could benefit, we’d love to hear from you.”

You can do so by emailing Bertie on bertiemaclean@highlandpeoplespower.org.uk or by calling 07852 209578.

New Community Transport in Dornoch
DACIC’s brand-new electric community car has arrived, helping local residents in IV25 get to appointments, shopping, and social activities when transport options are limited. They urgently need volunteer drivers to keep this eco-friendly service running. You choose the trips that suit your schedule - just a few hours a month can make a big difference.

Please get in touch with Paula - paula.white@dacic.org.uk if you’d like to help keep the community connected!

Protecting Nairn’s Dunes
NICE Nairn secured CLLD funding via the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub for a pilot Dune Resilience project in Nairn this Autumn, recently appointing Mark Bradfield as Project Coordinator. The project will raise awareness of threats to Nairn’s fragile coastline and involve volunteers in scrub clearing and marram grass planting to protect the Central Beach dunes.

Meet Mark and find out more at the Climate Hub stall during the Nairn Book & Arts Festival finale on Sunday 7 September at James’s Ice Cream on the Putting Green.

Highland Wool’s Next Chapter
Highland Wool’s mill at The Hirsel, near Ardgay, is rooted in sustainability - from recycling water to restoring old equipment. This year, they revived a Victorian carder, boosting output from 400g to 4kg per hour.

As new wool arrives from Highland farms and crofts, they’re entering their second season, creating sustainable products that add value for farmers, crofters and crafters.

Youth Craft Tutors needed in Dornoch
DACIC are hiring for two positions based in Dornoch. A Lead Tutor and an Assistant Tutor to run weekly Youth Craft Sessions for 10-14 year olds in the area. Applicants must be creative, organised and confident working with young people. These sessions are designed to build confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging for rurally isolated young people.

Read more and apply here.

Closing date: Wednesday 31st August

Active & Sustainable Travel in Rural Communities Residential
Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) and the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub have partnered up for this fully-funded ‘Active & Sustainable Travel in Rural Communities’ residential programme that is due to take place between Wednesday 05 – Thursday 06 November at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Glenmoriston. You can read more about the Residential here.

Become the Chief Executive of the Highland Good Food Partnership

The Highland Good Food Partnership are looking for a Chief Executive to join the team. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to food and community life across the Highlands. They are seeking someone who is both passionate about food sustainability and compassionate in their approach to leadership.

Read more and apply here.

Closing date: Friday 5th September

Have Your Say on the Cairngorms Local Development Plan
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is inviting people who live, work, or have an interest in the National Park to share their views to help shape the next Local Development Plan. Current surveys cover climate change, flood risk, housing, local living, site assessments, and town centres.

You can give feedback here - the deadline is 26 September 2025. For questions or alternative ways to share your views, email planning@cairngorms.co.uk.

Share your views on Community Climate Funding
SCCAN is assessing climate-related funding for communities and exploring alternative finance models. If you’re involved in community climate action, share your views via their survey here.

SCCAN are also seeking volunteers for an informal working group to advise on commercial projects in food, energy, and sustainability certification. In particular, they’re looking for partners for a potential wind energy project. For more info, contact Tom: thomas@sccan.scot.

Fuel Poverty in the Highlands Roundtable
2050 Climate Group is hosting a roundtable on fuel poverty in the Highlands on the 11th of October in Inverness.

The roundtable is open to 18-35 year olds to collaborate on solutions around green energy, infrastructure, retrofitting, and upskilling, with insights shared directly with policymakers. Sign up here.