SLCVO Blog 27 February
- joford4
- Feb 27
- 9 min read
This week’s blog highlights a range of consultations and opportunities for groups to get involved in — from funding and childcare to onshore community benefits and Cross‑Party Group meetings on islands. It also reflects on the team’s week and shares useful resources to support young trustees.
Team Update
This week, the SLCVO team have once again been out and about across the area — covering around 350 miles between us. When not on the road, the team held six 1:1 meetings with local groups (including one on Monday evening) and connected with a wide range of third and public sector colleagues across three separate forums and working groups.
On Sunday, Michelle delivered a trustee development session with a local group in Portree. The session supported Trustees to better understand where they currently are as a board, build confidence in their roles, and explore their collective ambitions and future direction.
Wednesday, Michelle met with a local group in Portree to review proposed constitutional changes and offer guidance. She then joined Jo‑Anne for a meeting with a colleague from HTSI to explore how third sector support is delivered across the area. Later in the day, Jo‑Anne met with Crocus Highland following training they had delivered to local groups, which Matt also attended.
Matt returned to Portree on Thursday to meet with potential new volunteers for the Befriending Service. Meanwhile, Michelle led a learning exchange visit with the Reduce Reuse Recycle working group to Waste Not in Torrin. The visit brought together around a dozen representatives from local organisations to explore the site, learn from those running the long‑standing community reuse initiative, and consider what approaches could be adapted locally, including collaborative project ideas, possible funding routes, and the ongoing need for coordinated facilitation to support shared circular‑economy ambitions.
This time of year is particularly busy for many groups, and with most volunteer directors and trustees juggling work and other commitments, SLCVO continues to adapt our services around the days and times that best suit local organisations and volunteers. Our flexible approach is only possible because of the team’s willingness to go above and beyond. I want to thank Michelle in particular — she has had an exceptionally busy few weeks, often working long hours that have cut into her personal time. We do this because we are part of our communities, and we care deeply about the wider third sector and its role as a cornerstone of development in Skye and Lochalsh. Weeks like this highlight just how vital locally delivered third sector support services are for our communities.
Crocus Highland Training in Skye by Matt Davis, SLCVO’s Befrienders Manager
I recently took part in a childhood bereavement training session delivered by Crocus Highland, alongside participants from Skye Young Carers, Corry Capers Outdoor Learning, Counselling Care, independent counsellors, and several other local organisations. It was an excellent, insightful session that offered both depth and practical guidance.
What stood out most was gaining tangible skills that can be used not only in professional settings but also in everyday life. Bereavement is something that touches every one of us, yet it’s still a topic many find difficult to talk about. Training like this helps build confidence, understanding, and compassion—qualities that make a real difference when supporting children and families through loss.
Crocus Highland’s work is invaluable, offering free bereavement support for children and young people in the Highlands, helping them understand and express their grief through creative, hands‑on activities. From April, they will be in Skye and Lochalsh once a month, using the Community Outreach Hubs as a base to meet with schools, GPs, and other children’s and young people’s services, as well as provide their highly valuable support service.
You can find out more about Crocus Highland here. https://highlandhospice.org/what-we-do/community-services/bereavement-services/crocus
Have your say –The Skye Reinforcement Local Fund Consultation coming March 2026
A Skye Reinforcement Local Fund is being created for communities along the The Skye Reinforcement Project route including: Skye & Raasay; Glenelg & Arnisdale; Glengarry; Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston. The lifetime value of the Local Fund will be £5,455,000.
SSEN want this fund to be shaped with the communities it’s here to support. If you live or work in the eligible community council areas — or represent a local organisation — they want to hear from you.
They’ll be asking for your views on:
The area of benefit — where should the funding be available?
Funding priorities — what matters most to your community?
Fund structure — how long should the fund run and what should be available each year?
To gather your insights, They’ll be hosting in‑person and online sessions throughout the consultation period.
Broadford Village Hall – Drop‑in Session Tuesday 10 March3–7pm
Kyleakin Community Hall – Drop‑in Session Wednesday 11 March 3–7pm
Shepherd’s Way Hall, Portree – Drop‑in Session Tuesday 17 March 3.30–7pm
Dunvegan Community Hall – Drop‑in Session Wednesday 18 March 3–7pm
Glenelg Village Hall – Drop‑in Session Tuesday 24 March 3–7pm
There are also online sessions.
Tuesday 31 March - Time: 10–11.30am
Thursday 2 April - Time: 6.30–8pm
Find out more here Skye Reinforcement Local Fund - SSEN Transmission
Bring the King’s Baton to Your Community!
Excitement is building across Scotland as preparations continue for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games — and now your community has the chance to be part of the celebrations. Team Scotland is inviting organisations, festivals, sports groups, and local events to register their interest in hosting a visit from the King’s Baton as it travels across the country.
The newly re‑imagined Baton Relay will run from 1st July to 23rd July 2026, using a hub‑and‑spoke model that brings the Baton to selected events each day. This makes it easier than ever for communities big and small, urban or rural, to take part. At each stop, the Baton may be carried in by local heroes, made available for photos and celebration, and even accompanied by athletes or the Glasgow 2026 mascot, depending on availability.
Events that highlight creativity, community spirit, sport, or local culture are especially encouraged — and activities supporting the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, such as community clean‑ups, are particularly welcomed.
If your community would love to join the celebrations and bring the Baton to your next event, you can register your interest through Team Scotland: https://www.teamscotland.scot/bring-the-kings-baton-to-your-community-in-scotland
The Young Trustees Movement - Support for the Next Generation of Leaders
The Young Trustees Movement exists to bring more people aged 30 and under onto charity boards, helping organisations benefit from young perspectives and more diverse decision‑making. They offer free training, networking events, and a speaker network that helps current and aspiring young trustees build confidence, skills, and connections.
Support for groups
Supporting boards seeking to become more inclusive. By providing guidance, visibility of best practices, and opportunities to advertise trustee roles, they help organisations diversify and create supportive environments for young trustees.
Champion Training workshops help participants understand how young trustees strengthen governance, provide a framework for improving board diversity, and equip them with the tools to take meaningful next steps in their trustee journey.
Getting Young People onto your Board Recruitment Guide Simple and easy to follow, it contains all the steps you’ll need to take to get young people on board.
Find out more on their website Young Trustees Movement
For bespoke support locally contact SLCVO Team info@slcvo.org.uk
Update From the Island Childcare Networking & Learning Meeting and School Age Childcare Consultation
SLCVO was recently contacted by the Scottish Islands Federation with an important update for island communities following the latest island childcare meeting. The Scottish Government has now launched a formal consultation on how school age childcare is defined and regulated, marking a significant moment for those working across childcare, community development, and local services in island areas.
The consultation follows sector feedback and work carried out during the 2024–25 regulatory options feasibility study with the Care Inspectorate. As part of this work, the Scottish Government is exploring potential changes to the definition of “daycare of children” within the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, and the creation of a new, standalone definition for “school age childcare”. This shift would allow regulations to better reflect the unique needs, contexts, and operating conditions of school age services.
Feedback gathered so far suggests that these changes could help services to operate more sustainably by supporting a more diverse workforce, broadening required skill sets, and improving the alignment between regulation and real‑world practice in school age childcare.
The new consultation was published on Friday 20 February 2026 and remains open until Monday 18 May 2026. It is available on both the Scottish Government website and the main consultation portal. The Government has emphasised this as an important step towards a more proportionate, flexible regulatory framework—one that recognises school age childcare as a distinct service with its own workforce and quality requirements. They are encouraging wide engagement across the sector, and any questions can be directed to sacc_consultation@gov.scot.
Alongside the consultation update, the Scottish Islands Federation shared early content for an Island Priorities Briefing Paper being prepared in advance of the upcoming election. One of the priority areas centres on the essential role of childcare as an economic and social enabler within island communities. Childcare supports parents to work, train, start businesses, and remain in their communities, making it a vital contributor to population retention and long‑term sustainability. However, island settings continue to face significant challenges due to small‑scale provision, limited staffing, fluctuating demand, and regulatory and funding systems that do not reflect island realities.
Current priorities being drafted include calls for the next Scottish Parliament to recognise childcare as essential infrastructure, commit to funding and delivery models designed specifically for islands, and ensure that ELC and childminding rates are genuinely sustainable in high‑cost, low‑population settings. There is also a strong request for island representation to be embedded within policy and regulatory development processes. The overarching message is clear: sustainable communities require sustainable childcare, and in island contexts, viability must be assessed not solely on child numbers but on wider social and economic value.
Take part in the consultation seeking views on a definition for school age childcare on the Scottish Government website and the Scottish Government’s consultation portal, open until Monday 18 May 2026.
For more information about the Island Childcare Networking & Learning Meeting visit the Scottish Island Federation website Island Childcare Working Group – Meeting 4 Dec 2025 – The Scottish Islands Federation
Inspiring Young Voices
We’re excited to help spread the word about the Artivism project—giving children and young people (ages 5–24) a creative platform to share their experiences of mental health and wellbeing through art.
Great news: The deadline has been extended to 31 March 2026, so even more young people can get involved and have their voices heard.
Their artwork will be showcased across the Highlands and online, helping communities and decision‑makers understand what young people need to feel mentally well.
Please share with any young people who might be interested!📍 More info available on the project webpage.
Join the Final Meeting of the Cross‑Party Group on Islands
The Cross‑Party Group (CPG) on Islands is coming together for its final meeting of the current parliamentary session, and island communities, stakeholders, and anyone with an interest in island policy are warmly invited to take part. This meeting offers a chance to reflect on what the CPG has achieved so far, share experiences, and help shape priorities for the next five years.
The session will include a look back at the group’s work, followed by an open discussion about what matters most to islanders moving forward—making it a valuable opportunity for community voices to influence future direction.
Wednesday 4th March, 1:00pm.
Exploring the Future of Onshore Community Benefits for Scotland’s Islands
Scotland’s island communities are at the heart of some of the country’s most exciting renewable energy developments — and with that comes a growing conversation about how onshore renewable projects can deliver meaningful, long‑lasting community benefits. A new report exploring this topic has recently been published, offering fresh insights into how island communities can shape and influence the impact of future onshore renewable energy projects.📄 Read the report here: Refreshing the Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy – a Working Paper - gov.scot
To support deeper discussion, an upcoming online event will bring communities, stakeholders, and practitioners together to unpack the findings and explore what stronger community‑benefit guidance could look like in practice. This session is a valuable opportunity for island residents, community organisations, and local decision‑makers to share their perspectives and ensure island voices help guide future policy.
Islands of Scotland: Onshore Community Benefits Session
Monday 23rd March, 6:30pm
The event will focus on improving transparency, strengthening governance, and ensuring that community‑benefit funds genuinely support long‑term local priorities — from infrastructure and economic resilience to wellbeing and climate adaptation. Participants will also have the chance to discuss challenges unique to island settings, such as accessibility, scale, and planning processes.
If you’re interested in renewable energy, community empowerment, or the future of Scotland’s islands register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/islands-of-scotland-onshore-community-benefits-session-tickets-1983355854752?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
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