Climate Cafe Information Session - Aviemore
Interested in a friendly space to talk about climate change and its impact on your community?
Join a free introductory session from the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub to learn about Climate Cafés-what they are, how they run, and how they could work in your area.
Wednesday 6th May
- 12-1.30pm – Glenmore Visitor Centre & Café, Aviemore, PH22 1QU
These events are part of Cairngorms 2030, a programme by the Cairngorms National Park Authority supported by The National Lottery.
Climate Cafe Information Session - Grantown-On-Spey
Interested in a friendly space to talk about climate change and its impact on your community?
Join a free introductory session from the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub to learn about Climate Cafés-what they are, how they run, and how they could work in your area.
Wednesday 6th May
- Fiona’s Wholefoods, 80 High Street, Grantown on Spey PH26 3EL
These events are part of Cairngorms 2030, a programme by the Cairngorms National Park Authority supported by The National Lottery.
Carbon Literacy Training
In response to member requests, we’ve developed a whole week dedicated to training which has been designed to exclusively support members to progress their climate action goals.
Our Carbon Literacy Training has been warmly recieved by those who attended the first session earlier this year, Natalie is pleased to be back once more offering these sessions over two days on Monday 25th May & Tuesday 26th May from 10am - 2pm.
The course covers climate science, is practical and action focused. It encourages real behavior change with a specific community angle.
You’ll enjoy an interactive, easy to digest course with likeminded people and will finish the course having made a personal pledge to reduce your impact on the environment meaning even before you’ve left the course, you’ll have taken action against climate change!
This session takes place online on Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th May from 10am - 2pm.
Funding Masterclass
In response to member requests, we’ve developed a whole week dedicated to training which has been designed to exclusively support members to progress their climate action goals.
Always a popular session, and one of the most commonly asked for when we talk to members is the Funding Masterclass. Hub CEO, Joan Lawrie has lots of experience in writing funding applications and is pleased to share her knowledge, hints and tips with hub members.
This session takes place online on Tuesday 26th May from 7pm - 9pm
How to Create a Resilience Plan
In response to member requests, we’ve developed a whole week dedicated to training which has been designed to exclusively support members to progress their climate action goals.
We recently offered workshops which tests resilience plans to understand how effective they are and while we were pleased to welcome lots of communities ready to take that step, lots of you got in touch to ask for support in creating a resilience plan in the first place so we’ve developed this session just for you!
Hub CEO Joan Lawrie will go through the steps required to create a resilience plan that works for your community and is easy to implement in the case of an emergency.
This session takes place online on Wednesday 27th May from 10am - 12noon
Creating a Net Zero Policy
In response to member requests, we’ve developed a whole week dedicated to training which has been designed to exclusively support members to progress their climate action goals.
A Net Zero policy outlines your commitment to reducing environmental impact, setting objectives and targets, and achieving net zero in line with Scottish Government Policy and Global Sustainable Development Agenda to lower energy and resource costs, engage positively with employees and the community, and control your own narrative.
Hub Training Officer, Natalie Moore will work through how to develop a Net Zero Policy which works for your organisation. This session will offer straightforward and practical advice that supports you to take another step in your climate action journey.
This session takes place online on Thursday 28th May from 10am - 12noon
Members Connect
Members Connect is an exclusive opportunity for members to join one another and representatives from the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub to share challenges and sucesses on what we’re all working on.
The sessions are informal so please do join us over your lunchbreak to chat through any questions you may have about our current and upcoming projects and activities and anything you’re working on that you think we can support with - or, just come along and listen to what everyone else is up to and gain some inspiration!
Nairn Climate Café - Blue Health
Climate Café Nairn: Blue Health talk on outdoor swimming, wellbeing & nature. Hear from guest speakers + connect with your community.
Join us for Climate Café Nairn, an informal and welcoming space to explore climate-related topics and connect with others in your community.
This month’s theme is Blue Health, focusing on the benefits of water, outdoor swimming and our connection to natural environments. Hear from guest speaker Ben as he shares his journey swimming the high lochs and lochans of the Cairngorms, offering insight into outdoor swimming, mountain landscapes and the personal impact of engaging with nature in this way.
You’ll also hear from Blue Space Highland about opportunities to experience the benefits of blue health locally, and how connecting with nature can support wellbeing across Nairnshire.
Whether you’re interested in climate action, nature, or simply keen to meet like-minded people, everyone is welcome. Food & drink available to buy.
H&I Climate Collective Launch
Introducing Highlands & Islands Climate Collective - a space for 16-30 year olds across Highland, Orkney & Shetland passionate about climate action.
Climate Collective will spotlight ways that young people can take action, connect with community groups and organisations, and help build skills to enter sustainable careers. We’ve co-created Climate Collective with our Youth Advisory Board who input to its priorities and activities.
At Climate Collective’s launch we will be exploring why it is so important for young people to get involved in climate action and share how community groups can connect with young people.
We are thrilled that we will have Alyson MacKay and Ellie Moore joining us to share their experiences of being involved in climate action and sustainable careers.
Alyson MacKay, 2050 Climate Group
Alyson grew up as a young carer in Sutherland and is passionate about representing underserved groups worldwide. She worked in hospitality for 12 years and uses her customer service and people management skills for projects and events. She went on to get a degree in Sustainable Event Management and has worked and volunteered with many youth organisations. Alyson currently works for 2050 Climate Group and is also the Youth Coordinator for Learning for Sustainability Scotland (LfS).
Ellie Moore, Nevis Landscape Partnership
Ellie is the Engagement Ranger at Nevis Landscape Partnership.
“I came into conservation in a slightly roundabout way, but now my working week involves leading groups of volunteers, teaching ranger students, and carrying out practical conservation tasks on Ben Nevis and in Glen Nevis. I'm also a member of the Cairngorms Youth Action Team where I get involved with projects that aim to improve young people's living, working, and learning in the National Park. I like hillwalking in my free time but also play video games and make films when it's too rainy to get out and about!”
We’re looking forward to welcoming young people interested in climate action and organisations who’d like to engage more young people to Climate Collective’s Launch!
Highlands & Islands Climate Hub's Members Monthly Networking
Sue Muir shares Alness Repair Cafe’s first-year success, followed by Q&A and a chance to connect with other members.
The Hub’s monthly members networking event is back! Join Sue Muir from Alness Repair Cafe as she shares insights from the project’s first year, followed by a Q&A and a chance to connect with other members.
*Please note - this is for members only - if you would like to become a member of the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub, please do so here: Join us — Highlands & Islands Climate Hub
Climate Action Ting
The Climate Action Ting event is almost here and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Climate Action Ting is a participatory budgeting event from the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, made possible thanks to #NationalLottery players, the Coastal Communities Fund from Shetland Islands Council and Zenobe, through Foundation Scotland.
You can read all about the project here but as a recap;
Climate Action Ting offered £60,000 to communities to take positive, community led climate action
We hosted online and in person events to let community groups know about the opportunity and supported them to apply.
Applications opened in January 2026 and closed in February 2026.
We’re now thrilled to invite the sucessful applicants to showcase their project to fellow Shetland residents in the hope of securing your vote. Community organisations with the most votes at the end of the event on the 14th March 2026, will be awarded grants up to a maximum of £7500 to complete their identified project.
Please join the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and the community groups of Shetland for an afternoon of inspirational climate action opportunity and have your voice heard by voting for your favourite projects.
We’re pleased to offer delicious refreshments and will welcome live musicians to entertain you while we do the all important vote count. The event takes place from 2 - 4.30pm within Mareel.
*If you’re unable to attend in person but still want to participate, details of an online voting system will be available from 26th February. Or advice is to join us on the day if you can - we’re so looking forward to the positive atmosphere this event will undoubtedly create.
Orkney Climate Fair
Orkney Climate Fair is set to take place on Saturday 7th February in Kirkwall and all climate conscious folks are invited to attend.
What to expect:
Workshop on strengthening Orkney’s circular economy (3-5pm) BOOKABLE HERE
Mini Repair Session with Orkney Repair Cafe
Family activities led by Fiamma Creative Club
Information, craft and retail stalls
Stall holders:
Warmworks
OHAL
Orkney Zerowaste
Orkney Wild Crafts
Orkney Library and Archive
Orkney Repair Café - hosting a mini repair session, please bring along broken items for repair on the day (one per person please)
Orkney Islands Council Waste Team
Fiamma Creative Club - Storytelling sessions for 2-6 year olds and their grown ups as well as lots of craft activities for older children and their grown ups!
Greener Orkney
Orkney Tea Plantation
Orkney Boreray Sheep
Orkney Fair Trade Group - Bringing along a demonstration of just how many textiles are thrown away in Orkney!
Transects project
Stronsay Development Trust
Restart
H&I Climate Hub
King Street Halls, Saturday 7 February 2026
11am - 5:00pm
Please note the building will be closed from 1-2pm for lunch. Refreshments provided before and after lunch!
Caithness Jobs & How to Get Them
Hub colleagues Fiona and Ashleigh will join countless employers at an event in Thurso, Caithness to explain to job seekers what it like to work with an organisation like ours and help people understand if a role in the charity sector and specifically Community Development is for them.
Ashleigh is our Graduate Apprentice and Fiona is a super experienced Community Development professional - both are excited to share with attendees the career paths they've chosen.
Please note that at this time, we’re not actively recruiting. Whenever we are, it’ll be advertised here on our website.
Climate Action Ting Online Info Session
This online session is perfect for community groups, clubs, organisations, or anyone with an idea that could help make Shetland greener, more sustainable, or more resilient (funding available for constituted groups).
What to expect:
A step-by-step walk-through of the Climate Action Ting application form
An explanation of how the participatory budgeting process works
A Q&A session where you can ask about your project idea or the PB process
Whether you're already shaping a project or just curious about applying, this session will help you feel confident and prepared.
💡 About Climate Action Ting
Climate Action Ting empowers communities to take the lead by deciding how funding is spent to support climate action across Shetland. Grants of up to £7,500 will be awarded through a public vote in March.
We look forward to seeing you there and to support the brilliant ideas emerging across Shetland!
This project has been made possible by players of the National Lottery and from the support of the Coastal Communities Fund from Shetland Islands Council.
Grow your idea: Funding for Climate Action in Shetland
Got an idea for a greener Shetland? Join the H&I Climate Hub in Shetland to get support, funding & inspiration for climate action!
We’re excited to invite you to take part in Climate Action Ting, Shetland’s Participatory Budgeting programme supporting community-led climate action.
Do you have an idea, big or small, that could make your community greener, more resilient, or more sustainable?
Whether you’re part of a local group, club, or organisation, or just a few friends with a good idea, this is your chance to make it happen!
When: Saturday 29th of November 2025, 10:30 – 1pm.
Where: Islesburgh Community Centre
What to Expect:
Support to turn your ideas into fundable projects
Guidance on the Climate Action Ting application and voting process
Inspiring speakers sharing examples of Shetland climate projects
A chance to connect and collaborate with others across the island
Food and refreshments provided!
Circular Economy 101
Miriam Adcock of Zero Waste Scotland will be hosting a "what is Circular Economy?" talk with the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and we would love to see you there!
This session offers members of the Hub, the public and the Hub team the opportunity to ask questions and develop a greater understanding of what a Circular Economy is and how you can get involved in creating or contributing to it in your community.
This event is part of the European Week of Waste Reduction.
Highland Climate Conference
The Highland Climate Conference, hosted by the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub and supported by the Scottish Government seeks to bring together people from all sectors across the Highlands who are working towards a sustainable, thriving Highland Region.
The steps needed to be taken in our region to address the climate emergency and adapt to our already changing climate impacts on every sector and every community across the Highland area.
Through the themes of
Place
People
Power
Partnerships
We’ll explore through this interactive conference how we can work together to ensure a just transition to net zero for all in our communities.
Highlands & Islands Climate Festival
It’s nearly time for our communities to come together again for special climate action celebrations! We’re excited to support the Highlands & Islands Climate Festival 2025 taking place from the 13th September - 8th October!
If you’re a community or an individual passionate about protecting the environment while having great fun, or an organisation eager to engage with their community, we encourage you to get involved with the Highlands & Islands Climate Festival.
Preventing Burnout Workshop
We are looking forward to being joined by Jo Musker Sherwood, who will be leading a workshop in Burnout Prevention and Recovery.
At the initial workshop in January, Jo explored several theories and practices around burnout prevention and recovery. In this second session, she will be putting that theory into practice with opportunities to tend to some of the difficult emotions that inevitably come with climate work such as grief, anxiety, anger and despair.
This workshop is open to anyone, including those who didn't attend the first workshop or who have not had the chance to do the online Burnout Prevention and Recovery course. You will be free to participate as much or as little as works for you during the workshop.
Those interested in attending should email events@hiclimatehub.co.uk to receive the link to join the workshop.
Greener Orkney Beach Clean
On World Environment Day, Greener Orkney have organised a beach clean at Houton Head. Come along to help reduce litter from the coastline!
Bags and equipment will be provided but please bring your own gloves. Parking is available on the old airfield.
Nairn Community Flood Action
We are thrilled that a Community Resilience Manager from the Scottish Flood Forum will be visiting Nairn to discuss how individuals, organisations and property owners can protect themselves from Nairn’s flood risk.
Between 2pm-4pm, advice will be available on a drop in basis. Come along to share your flooding concerns with the Community Resilience Manager and get advice on the steps you can take to protect your home.
Between 4-6pm, the focus will turn to a collective community effort. The Scottish Flood Forum will share how Flood Action/Resilience Groups are implementing measures in communities to reduce the impact of flooding, and explain how Nairn could establish their own. Those in Nairn with an interest in identifying areas most at risk, influencing priorities and taking action on the flood risk are encouraged to attend.
Funding Masterclass
Join this Funding Masterclass with Hub CEO, Joan Lawrie, and Senior Project Officer, Bethany Lawrie, who is responsible for our regular Funding Finder and gives assistance to groups looking for funding.
The Funding Masterclass covers all elements of funding from places to search for funding through to how to monitor and evaluate successful funding awards. It'll span from advice in writing applications to all of the documents you should have on hand.
It's useful for those new to funding as it cover all of the basics and gives reminders and tips for those who are more experienced.
Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments Consultation
The Highlands & Islands Climate Hub is seeking the views of communities in Highland, Orkney and Shetland to respond to the Scottish Government's consultation on Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments.
The primary aim of this consultation is to ensure communities receive lasting benefits from both onshore and offshore energy developments. Members of the Hub and voices from the wider community are invited to discuss how community benefit can be maximised through the potential opportunities and how communities should be involved in decision making. This conversation will shape the Hub's response to the consultation.
The full details of the Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments Consultation can be found here.
Highland Community Led Local Development Fund Briefing
The Highlands & Islands Climate Hub is working in partnership with Highland Third Sector Interface and the Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Funding team to deliver Community-led Local Development Funding.
The Highlands & Islands Climate Hub will be distributing funding based on the fund’s priorities of Resilient Communities and Sustainable Communities. Applications are up to a maximum of £10,000 to any third sector organisation, charity or community group operating or delivering services in a rural setting within the Highland Council area with the exception of Inverness City or Badenoch & Strathspey. Applications open on the 8th April 2025 and will close on the 30th May 2025. Project must be completed by the 30th December 2025.
To see examples of projects the fund can support via Resilient Communities or Sustainable Communities, please visit the Hub website https://www.hiclimatehub.co.uk/clld-fund.
In this information session from the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub organisations can find out more about the fund guidance, criteria and ask any questions around the fund.
Highland Third Sector Interface will be distributing funding on the priority areas of Enterprising and Growing Communities, and Inclusive and Engaged Communities. HTSI will be hosting a briefing event on their platform on the 3rd April 2025 from 10am – 11am.
For examples of projects under the priorities Enterprising and Growing Communities and Inclusive and Engaged Communities please visit the HTSI website https://www.highlandtsi.org.uk/clld-fund
Full funding guidance will follow and be made available through both the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub and Highland Third Sector Interface. Applicants should apply directly to the organisation responsible for the funding stream their project falls under.
Funding Masterclass
Join Luci, Community Development Officer for Caithness & Sutherland, for a Funding Masterclass as she shares an insight to funding applications.
She'll share advice on how to approach an application strategically and key messages to include. From a Hub persepective, Luci can also offer insight into what the criteria of funders in the current funding landscape are. This will be an insightful and valuble session for our North West members seeking funding help.
There will also be on opportuity to network with fellow members of the Hub over lunch, which will be provided along with refreshments.
Community action for a greener future
Community organisations across Shetland are invited to come along to explore the importance of climate action, and how they can integrate into their work.
This event is hosted in partnership by Voluntary Action Shetland, Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Shetland Isles Council Community Planning and Development, Community Energy Scotland, Local Energy Scotland and the Shetland Isles Council Climate Team. All of these organisations will be in attendance to share the support they can offer communities to take climate action.
Community groups already actively engaged in climate action projects will be sharing their experiences and the benefits it brought to their communities. Come along to learn, explore opportunities for collaboration and understand how community climate action can be supported in the form of specialist advice, funding and connecting.
Community Growing Gathering
Are you interested in growing and providing food locally to help our environment, our community as well as reduce our costs? Then join the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and Cairngorms National Park Authority in Boat of Garten to hear about sustainable community food projects in Badenoch and Strathspey and across the National Park.
Browse our map of local growing spaces and find out how you could get involved. Our Guest Speaker, Helen Stewart, will be sharing an insight to her social enterprise 'Fair Feast' which directs venison from deer management to food banks.
Enjoy some soup while you listen to community food projects pitch for funding and then get a chance to vote for your favourite project!
This is a partnership event, supported by Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and Cairngorms National Park Authority through the Cairngorms 2030* programme. This event is free to attend.
*Cairngorms 2030 is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland thanks to National Lottery players.
Community Composting Skillshare
The Hub is delighted to welcome the Highland Community Waste Partnership, Highland Good Food Partnership and Lochaber Environmental Group for a skillshare to explore community composting.
During the skill share, each group will share their experience of community composting, offering an insight to the different types of composting, considerations and how to engage communities in composting projects.
The Hub will share resources to support community composting and access specialist advice.
Hub Networking: making the most of your membership
Come along to the March installment of the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub's monthly networking.
During this session, members of the Hub are invited to come along and share their upcoming projects to draw on the support offered by the Hub to ensure success. Explore opportunities for collaboration or seek advice on where to gain specialist support.
Whilst this event is designed for our current members, we welcome new individuals and organisations to come along to discuss membership to the Hub.
Community Climate Action Mapping Workshop
The Hub is delighted to be hosting a workshop to map the community led climate action that is happening across Sutherland. Community Development Officer, Luci Ireland, will be leading the workshop to identify key stakeholders, climate risk and community assets across Sutherland. The resulting map will open opportunities, help shape future collaborations and provide background for funding applications.
Refreshments will be provided.
Hub Networking: tackling barriers to action
Come along to the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub’s first Members Networking of 2025! Join the Hub as we reflect on the climate action being taken across Highland, Orkney and Shetland. What's made it so impactful, but where do the barriers still lie?
This will be an informal discussion environment for both the Hub and our members to share updates on their work and anything challenges faced along the way. By sharing experiences with fellow members we can tackle challenges collaboratively and learn from others. All of our members are welcome to attend.
Community Energy Skillshare
Join the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub for a skillshare event, delving into community energy. The focus will be on the new energy generation, and how communities can capitalise on community energy schemes to maximise benefits for themselves.
We’ll be joined by Community Energy Scotland and a Community Energy Development Advisor to explore the opportunities, including shared ownership and smart export guarantee, and specialised support available to communities. The impact of Bressay Development Ltd's Green Energy project on their community in Shetland will be explored.
Any of our members or non-members with an interest in pursuing a community energy project, or just want to explore the opportunities and resources available, are welcome to come along.
Funding Masterclass
Improve or refresh your funding finding and application writing skills with our interactive training workshop.
Join Joan, Hub Manager of the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, for a Funding Masterclass as she shares her insights and experience of funding applications. She'll share advice on how to approach an application strategically and key messages to include. From a funder perspective, Joan can also offer insight into what the criteria of funders in the current funding landscape are.
This will be an insightful and valuable session for our members seeking funding help.
Meet the Funder: Shetland Community Benefit Fund
Join us for a Meet the Funder online session with Shetland Community Benefit Fund.
Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF)represents communities across the islands to gain from commercial renewable energy projects. Their initatives are driving innovation within Shetland communities and having a lasting impact across Shetland.
SCBF operate several community benefit funds throughout the area. Hear more about their funds, the criteria and the process of application, and take the opportunity to ask more during the Q & A session after the presentations.
Preventing Burnout Workshop
Tackle feelings of being overwhelmed & burnout with this Preventing Burnout Course. The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub have teamed up with Moray CAN to offer our members training to overcome burnout and develop self resilience.
Over two workshops led by Jo Musker-Sherwood and self-guided exercises participants will explore the signs and stages of burnout and learn deep resourcing practices. Participants will leave feeling ready to resource themselves, their community, and their work in the world to continue making change happen.
The first workshop takes place on Tuesday 14th January and the second will be in April, date TBC. Between these workshops particpants will have free access to resources to work through themselves.
Hub Networking with Highland Community Planning Partnership
Calling all community groups - come along to the Highlands & Islands Climate Hubs' December members catch up where we’ll be hearing from the Highland Community Planning Partnership about their role in assisting community development.
Gail Prince, Highland CPP Development Manager, will be joining us to delve into Highland CPP further, explaining how communities fit into their framework, and how community groups can get involved. Tackling inequalities is at the centre of Highland CPP's focus.
We look forward to welcoming our members to this exciting session - it'll be a great opportunity to form new connections & enhance the positive impacts your work has on communities.
Far North Hub Gathering
Calling Hub members in Caithness & Sutherland! Join Luci for a Hub Gathering of our northern members.
Meet at Wick Community Campsite for a tour by Sarah Lamb of the site's new sustainable facilaties. Sarah will share some of the history of the site and the building of the net zero toilet block. Then head to Newtonhill Community Woodland Bothy for networking lunch. Sarah will share photos/videos from the Camp Site's progress.
Come along to hear from the climate action taken by a local group and connect with your fellow Hub members. Tasty lunch provided!
