February Newsletter

Hi folks,

It’s been a busy month this February! From reflections on the recent Orkney Climate Fair to Shetland Climate Action Ting voting now open, there’s lots happening across our communities.

We’re also sharing news about our new podcast, upcoming training, fresh volunteer opportunities, updates from members, and celebrating Grantown Remakery in our first ever Member Spotlight!

Have a read and see what’s been going on.

This Month’s Climate Highlights

Orkney Climate Fair

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone that attended the Orkney Climate Fair at the start of the month - whether you were a stall holder, whether you took part in the Circular Economy Workshop or you just came for a wee look about - it was a great day and we hope you enjoyed it too!

Francesca, our Orkney CDO said; “I was absolutely knackered by the end of it, but what a fantastic day it was! There was such great energy in the room, and everyone who walked in seemed genuinely interested in the organisations they were meeting.

Our stand holders were also chatting and connecting with one another, so watch this space. Who knows what amazing collaborations might come out of it next?”

Shetland Climate Action Ting - Voting Open

Applications for Climate Action Ting 2026 have now closed, with a strong range of community-led climate projects shortlisted to go forward to the public vote.

It’s now over to Shetland residents to decide which projects will receive a share of £60,000 in funding.

Voting will take place in person at Mareel, Lerwick on Saturday 14 March 2026, where shortlisted groups will showcase their ideas, and online for those unable to attend.

Interested in attending the event? Find out more here.

Can’t make the event? Vote online here.

Please note, voting is only open to those who live in Shetland.

The Climate Craic Podcast lands in March!

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. Thoughtful conversations and zero waffle.

First episode drops this March - stay tuned!

Ways to get involved this month

Carbon Literacy Training Launch

We’re excited to announce that we are now offering free Carbon Literacy training, exclusively for Hub members.

Whether you’d like us to bring the training to your community or prefer to attend online, this is a fantastic opportunity to build your knowledge and confidence around climate action - at no cost. The first sessions will take place on the 30th & 31st March online.
Full details will be circulated very soon but for now, email enquiries@hiclimatehub.co.uk to express your interest.

Let’s build climate confidence together.

Highland Climate Change Risk & Opportunity Assessment

Highland Adapts is hosting the official launch of the Highland Climate Change Risk & Opportunity Assessment (HCCROA) - a significant milestone in strengthening climate resilience across the Highland region.

This online event will present the key findings, outline the methodology behind the research, and share real-world case studies, followed by an opportunity for Q&A.

The HCCROA is the region’s first comprehensive assessment of current and future climate impacts through to the 2080s. It explores five key themes: built environment; community and economy; health and wellbeing; infrastructure; and land, nature and food.

If you’d like to attend, RSVP here.

Volunteer Opportunity with Go Flourish

Go Flourish is currently recruiting volunteers for a number of exciting roles - including support for their Eco-Warriors sessions at North Kessock Primary School.

This regular Friday (term time) outdoor learning group is open to pupils from P1–P7. The programme is funded by the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub and delivered by qualified teacher Laura Dorantt.

It’s a great opportunity for anyone considering a career in teaching, childcare, outdoor education or environmental work - or for anyone keen to make a positive difference in their community.

A PVG is required (Go Flourish can support with this).

If this particular role isn’t the right fit but you’re interested in volunteering, Go Flourish would still be delighted to hear from you, as they have other opportunities available.

To apply or to find out more, contact lyn@goflourishcharity.org.

Volunteer Opportunity: Dornoch Community Mushroom Farm

Dornoch Community Mushroom Farm are developing an exciting new community growing project and is currently looking for volunteers to get involved.

Based in rent-free premises in the centre of Dornoch, the project has secured start-up funding from The Pebble Trust. The team is also working in partnership with Rhyze Mushrooms in Edinburgh, who will provide guidance and training for volunteers.

The aim is to create a welcoming, supportive space where local people can build skills, explore new interests and form friendships through hands-on learning. In time, the project hopes to become self-sustaining and generate income to support other community initiatives as it grows.

To find out more, visit: https://highlandfunguys.co.uk/

More ways to get involved

Around the Membership

Highland People’s Power solar panels

With CARES funding of £71,000, Highland People's Power - a local community benefit society - are doing feasibility studies on the installation of solar panels on 8 Highland community buildings. If you know of a community building that might benefit from solar in the future, you can find more information here.

Boleskine House
Open Day

Boleskine House, a B-listed historic building on the banks of Loch Ness, will open its doors to the public on 11 April 2026 for a special Open Day.

The event will showcase the significant conservation and restoration work completed so far, alongside the organisation’s wider programme of climate action. Visitors will also have the opportunity to attend short decarbonisation talks exploring the low-carbon retrofit approach taken within a pre-1760 building - and the lessons learned throughout the process.

Further details and booking information are available here.

Sanday Craft Hub Exhibition - Plastic & Marine Litter

Sanday Craft Hub has created an exhibition highlighting the urgent issue of plastic and marine litter, supported through funding from the Hubs Climate Action Fund.

The collection, gathered from beaches around Sanday, powerfully illustrates the scale of plastic waste regularly washing up on local shores - a stark reminder of the wider global environmental challenge.

Alongside the display, fish boxes from the collection demonstrate how materials can be reused rather than discarded. At the same time, the exhibition encourages reflection on the broader question of reducing reliance on plastic and the industries that produce it.

Each item in the collection is numbered and linked to a corresponding diagram for visitors to explore. The exhibition can be viewed in person at the Craft Hub or online at sandaycrafthub.com.

More News from our Members

Member Spotlight

Grantown Remakery Nominated for Green Hero award

Strathspey WORKS – Grantown Remakery has been nominated for Green Hero at the Highland News & Media - Highland Heroes 2026 awards.

Based in Grantown-on-Spey, Grantown Remakery is an award-winning charity that repairs, refurbishes and upcycles donated furniture - preventing over 30 tonnes from going to landfill each year. Alongside tackling waste, they support young people, adults with learning disabilities and those facing barriers to employment to build skills, confidence and independence.

“Our work is about more than furniture,” the team say. “It’s about giving items - and people - a second chance while strengthening our community and protecting the environment.”

You can read more about them here.

Vote for them here.

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