Lucy is Young Ambassador of the Year

Lucy Midgely-Smith (left) Collects Her Award

Lucy Midgely-Smith has been named as "Young Ambassador of the Year" at the 2011 Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards.  Lucy (a student who, incidentally, probably makes the finest cocktails in the North) has been trained well by her parents - who own the Crannag Bistro in Bonar Bridge.

For the full list of winners, follow this link

Creative Enterprise Fund

Miniature Dinosaurs - pic Rob McDougall

A fund for budding entrepreneurs has been launched to support creative young people (aged 15-22) to develop their skills and enterprises.

Creative Scotland and Young Scot see the Creative Enterprise Fund as providing a means for Scotland’s young people to develop their artistic talent and unlock opportunities within the creative industries.  The new Fund aims to promote the values of creative enterprise and leadership, creating positive pathways to employment and providing wider benefits to local communities.

The Creative Enterprise Fund can award young people up to £200 on an individual basis and £750 for groups of three or more.  Playing at today’s launch were Stirling’s young, pop-rock band Miniature Dinosaurs, who had received funding through Creative Scotland and Young Scot’s previous grant initiative, the Arts Action Fund.

Alban Dickson, bass guitarist for Miniature Dinosaurs said: "Creative projects are all about passion, but a bit of extra support right at the beginning can allow dreams to materialise.  This is a fund which can apply to any concept a young person might have.  It allowed us to go on our first UK tour!  But the possibilities are huge, be it making a film, producing a theatre piece or even a work of art."

Applications are now open and young people can download an application form from the Young Scot Extra website.  The closing date for the first round of applications is the 14th November 2011.  To find out more about the Fund and for guidance on how to apply, young people should contact the free Young Scot InfoLine on 0808 801 0338, between Monday and Friday 10am-6pm.

Out of Office

Thanks to everyone holding the fort while I'm away.  Hopefully,  normal service from Business Gateway Sutherland will be resumed as quickly as possible. Thanks for your patience.

The Dead Man's Waltz - New Album and Tour

The Dead Man's Waltz (a direct descendant of PSYBT-supported Injuns) are touring prior to the release of their first album.  More details on the website (Link). In the meantime, here's a taster.

Sometimes this job is just too perfect....

 A little trip to the North West on a fantastic Autumn day...

Networking Event for Private and Social Enterprises - 18 October 2011

Our friends at HISEZ are organising a Networking Lunch on 18th October in Lairg to bring together the social and private sector enterprises to introduce them to the support and opportunities on offer   - and also to demonstrate the common issues that the two sectors face in a rural community,

Here's the message from HISEZ:

Lairg Community Centre
Tuesday 18 October
12 – 3pm

What are the challenges for privately owned businesses in the Highlands?
Succession. Sustainability. Generating sales.

What are the challenges for Social Enterprises in the Highlands?
Succession. Sustainability. Generating sales.

This is a free networking lunch with a difference – it’s about bringing together the private sector businesses and social enterprises in rural communities. This event is open to private businesses as well as social enterprises.

Both sectors are involved in developing future enterprise in the local area and there is support available to communities to enable them to develop a plan for an enterprising future.  With examples of communities who have worked together to build on the success of privately owned businesses as well as businesses who use the services of social enterprises, this networking lunch is an opportunity to explore the similarities of working that these organisations are trying to achieve and if there is a way to work together in the future to secure jobs, generate enterprise and support the local economy.

For more information:

Lindsay Dunbar

Events and Communications Officer
81a Castle Street
Inverness
IV2 3EA

T: 01463 715 533
W: www.hisez.co.uk
E: lindsay.dunbar@hisez.co.uk

 

Free Business Start Workshop in Lairg 3/4 November 2011

There's a 2-Day Business Gateway Start-Up Workshop being held in Lairg on 3rd/4th November. This course covers the basics of starting or exploring your venture in an informal but informative way. 

For further information click here and, to book, contact Lesley Allan

More Sutherland Food Businesses in the News - Part Three

The Crannag Bistro in Bonar Bridge is shortlisted in the Final of the Highlands & Islands Food Awards Restaurant of the Year  - and if that wasn't enough, Lucy Midgely-Smith, daughter of Crannag's owners, has been shortlisted in the Young Ambassador category. 

Good Luck to them  - and also to Saladworx who are shortlisted in three categories.

Sutherland Artist Features in Tapestry Showcase

 Joan Baxter, Brora-based tapestry artist has been selected to exhibit at the Tapestry: Four Voices show in Peebles from 15th October to 17th December 2011. The event celebrates the work of four prominent graduates of the Tapestry Dept.of Edinburgh College of Art.

A Simple Guide to Making the Most of Your Website

Business Gateway Highland asked adviser and trainer, Maarten de Vries, to produce a simple guide and checklist for setting up or commisioning a website. This he has done.

 
You can download a PDF of the Guide (260k) here

More Sutherland Food Businesses in the News - Part Two

Golspie Mill, which produces a range of stoneground flours and meals using a traditional watermill. is a finalist in the prestigious BBC Radio 4's Food & Farming Awards

The Mill was restored to working-order in 1992, is powered by the Big Burn in Dunrobin Glen and is the base for a thriving retail, whoilesale and online business.

Congratulations and Good Luck to the Golspie Mill team.

More Sutherland Food Businesses in the News - Part One

Andy Waugh and his Wild Game Company are the subject of a major feature in the October 2011 issue of Jamie Oliver's magazine.

Andy was assisted by Business Gateway to launch his business, which sells the best of Sutherland wild produce to the foodies of London.  He also runs a "pop-up" restaurant which is receiving rave reviews in the UK Capital.

The article features Ardgay Game and stunning photography taken at Alladale Wilderness Reserve.

Back to Business

Well, it went a bit quiet for a while but I'm back from leave and ready to go....