May Newsletter

Hi everyone,

We hope you’ve had a great May and have been making the most of the longer days and brighter weather!

This month’s newsletter is packed with opportunities to get involved in climate action across the Highlands and Islands, from funding opportunities to the launch of our new Learning Lab and the first episode of The Climate Craic Podcast. We’re also sharing member news, upcoming festivals, ways to connect through the Climate Collective and Members Connect, and shining a light on the inspiring Let Us Grow Project in this month’s Member Spotlight.

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

This Month’s Hub Highlights

Climate Action Fund closes this Sunday!

The deadline is fast approaching to apply for the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub’s Climate Action Fund. Communities across the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland can still apply for up to £1,000.

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 are available 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 - deadline extended!

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 still open for the Event Contribution Fund which offers £150 to groups hosting events that align with the theme of ‘think local’ within event dates - now closing on the 26th June. 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.

Join the Highland Youth Local Action Group

The Highland Youth Local Action Group are recruiting new members aged 16-30 to help shape funding decisions for young people across the Highlands.

Get involved.

Launching next week - the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub’s Learning Lab

Communities across the Highlands and Islands are already taking climate action through sharing, repairing, reducing waste and supporting one another.

Our free self-guided learning sessions are here to support that work and help more people get involved.

Explore topics including climate change, carbon footprints, circular economy ideas and funding - with practical actions you can apply in your own community.

Launching on the 5th of June - keep an eye out on our socials to find out more!

New Community Fridge Planned for Shetland

A new community fridge project is being developed in Shetland to help reduce food waste and support local people by sharing surplus food within the community.

The initiative is being led by local volunteers in partnership with the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and the Bressay Outdoor Access Group (BOAG). The group is currently looking for a publicly accessible space to host the fridge, such as a community centre or hall.

More than 700 community fridges have been set up across the UK, including two successful projects already running in Orkney.

Anyone interested in hosting the fridge or volunteering can get in touch at shetlandcommunityfridge@gmail.com or andrea@hiclimatehub.co.uk.

Training Week

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone that attended any of the events we held this week for the Hub’s Training Week. We covered:

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

Hub Training Officer, Natalie Moore said; “Training week was a whirlwind of learning, and I hope that everyone who attended any of our workshops has not only learned something new (or hopefully lots of new things) but has also found them enjoyable and engaging. We love sharing that space with our members and hearing what incredible projects they're working on. So once again, thank you all for coming along and making each workshop a pleasure to be a part of!"

The Climate Craic Podcast - first episode!

We are so pleased to announce that our first ever episode of the Climate Craic Podcast is now live on YouTube.

In this episode we spoke to Dan Jenkins, NHS Highland about Green Health Week and what it means to spend time outdoors!

You can watch the full video here.

A huge thanks to Dan for braving being our first guest! We hope you enjoy!

Ways to get involved this month

Inverness Walking and Wheeling Festival Returns for 2026

The Inverness Walking and Wheeling Festival returns from 1–7 June with a week of activities celebrating health, wellbeing and active travel across the city.

Now in its fourth year, the award-winning festival features guided walks, cycling activities, wellbeing sessions, family events and returning favourites including the Highland Paranormal Ghost Walk and photography walks at the newly reopened Inverness Castle.

Most events are free to attend.

More information is available at wawfest.com

CLIMAVORE CIC Seeking New Board Directors

CLIMAVORE CIC are seeking volunteer board directors to support the work of the Skye and Raasay-based social enterprise focused on regenerative sea-farming and sustainable food systems.

The organisation welcomes applications from people with experience or interest in areas including finance, fundraising, marine science, food and Gaelic culture.

Applications close on Monday 8 June.

Find out more & apply here.

Join the Highland & Islands Climate Collective

The Highlands & Islands Climate Collective is here to support young people aged 16-30 to take climate action in Highland, Orkney & Shetland. We spotlight ways that you can take action, connect with community groups and organisations, and help you build skills to enter a sustainable career.

Find out more about the Collective here.

Workshop: Making your Voice Heard

The H&I Climate Collective are holding their first workshop on the 2nd of July from 6pm-7pm (online) - Making your Voice Heard - explore how to communicate confidently with your representatives and speak up about the issues that matter to you. Book your space here.

Members Connect

Thank you to everyone who came along to the May Members Connect, it was lovely to see you. A huge thank you to Anne Thomas from Highland People’s Power for sharing details on their solar photovoltaic project and to all who took part in the discussion afterwards.

June Members Connect

The June Members Connect session takes place on the 25th June between 12 & 1pm and the guest speaker will be Anne Clark who will be talking to us about the Let Us Grow Project - which you can read about here. Join us while you enjoy your lunch to chat, network and learn what fellow members and the Hub are working on.

Book now.

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.

Have your say on Windfarms in Shetland

Ellen Ormesher from Edinburgh University is doing her MSc research on wind farms in Shetland and is looking for participants to have a one-hour long interview with. She will be in Shetland from the 10th-15th of June.

If you live in Shetland and want to share your views please email Ellen at e.a.ormesher@sms.ed.ac.uk

More ways to get involved

Around the Membership

‘Give Volunteering a Go’ Day in Inverness

Inverness Tool Library is inviting people to drop in and give volunteering a go at a special all-day workshop from 10am–3pm on Wednesday 3 June.

Taking place as part of Volunteers’ Week, the event will celebrate the organisation’s volunteers while offering opportunities for skills-sharing and hands-on involvement. Tool library members, volunteers, potential new recruits and supporters are all welcome to come along and get involved.

South Skye Nature Festival Launches This July

Sleat Nature Group has announced the first South Skye Nature Festival, taking place from 24–26 July 2026.

The festival will feature more than 30 mostly free activities celebrating Skye’s wildlife and nature, including guided walks, wildlife talks, family workshops, birdwatching, rockpooling and sea kayaking.

Based at An Crubh in Sleat, the festival is supported by Fauna & Flora International, Highlands & Islands Climate Hub and Sleat Community Trust.

Find out more and get your tickets here.

More News from our Members

Member Spotlight

Growing Community, Growing Resilience in Glen Urquhart

The Let Us Grow (LUG) project in Drumnadrochit is helping strengthen local food resilience by bringing people together to grow food, share skills and build community connections.

Based at Glen Urquhart Care Centre, the project has supported hundreds of volunteer hours, with produce shared through community lunches, the local food larder and farmers’ markets.

Now entering its second season, the initiative is continuing to expand its growing space and improve long-term sustainability. Fantastic!

Read the full story on our website.

Watch the video.

Become a Member