Community Resources

Local Energy Scotland supports communities across Scotland to develop and benefit from renewable energy projects. They provide advice, funding, and guidance to help local groups become more sustainable, reduce energy costs, and generate community income through clean energy initiatives.

Highland Renewables is a renewable energy company focused on developing and operating sustainable energy projects in the Highlands. They work to generate clean power while supporting local communities through investment and environmental stewardship.

Community Energy Scotland supports communities across Scotland to develop their own renewable energy projects. They provide advice, funding, and training to help local groups create sustainable energy solutions that benefit both the environment and their communities.

Great British Energy (GBE) is the UK’s new publicly-owned, independent energy company, established to accelerate clean energy development, boost energy independence, lower bills, create jobs, and build strong supply chains by investing in renewable projects like onshore wind, offshore wind, and local energy schemes, aiming to become a key part of the UK’s transition to a clean energy superpower with returns by 2030.

The Young Farmers is an organisation that supports young people in agriculture and rural communities, offering opportunities for personal development, skills training, and social activities. It promotes farming, leadership, and community involvement through events, competitions, and educational programs.

Youth Highland is a network that supports youth work and young people across the Highlands of Scotland. It connects local youth groups, provides resources and training, and helps empower young people to have a voice in their communities.

Our Place helps communities across Scotland share ideas, connect, and collaborate on local projects. It provides tools and resources to support community engagement and promote positive change at a grassroots level.

Planning Aid Scotland (PAS) is a charity that helps people and communities across Scotland engage with the planning system. They offer free, impartial advice and support to ensure everyone can have a say in shaping their local places and future development.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for the Highlands and Islands. It works with businesses, social enterprises, and communities across the region to build a greener, fairer, and more resilient economy—supporting innovation, workforce growth, fair work practices, net zero ambitions, and inclusive prosperity through tailored advice, funding, property, and strategic investment

The Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) is a membership organisation that supports and represents community-led development trusts across Scotland. It helps communities take ownership of land, buildings, and local services through expert advice, training, networking, and funding support. DTAS also advocates for policy that empowers local regeneration and promotes sustainable, community-owned solutions to economic and social challenges.

Scottish Community Councils are local representative groups that give people a voice in their communities and a say in local decision-making. They work to express the views of residents, engage with public bodies, and support local initiatives to improve community life.

The Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) supports communities and organisations to build skills, strengthen participation, and influence decision-making. They provide training, resources, and research to promote community-led approaches to tackling local issues and achieving positive change.

Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations (SLCVO) supports local voluntary groups and charities by providing advice, training, and resources. They help strengthen the third sector in the area, encouraging community involvement and collaboration to improve local services and wellbeing.

Foundation Scotland is a charity that supports communities by distributing funding from donors to local projects across Scotland. They help build stronger, more resilient communities by investing in initiatives that address local needs and create lasting impact.

The Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) supports charities, community groups, social enterprises, and volunteers across the Highland region. It helps build stronger organisations through advice, training, and collaboration, while also making sure the third sector has a voice in local decision-making.

Firstport is Scotland’s development agency for start-up social entrepreneurs and social enterprise. We provide people with seed funding, free business advice, practical tools and expert mentoring to help them make their ideas a reality and start something good in their communities. Since starting work in 2007, we have responded to over 5000 enquiries from budding social entrepreneurs and help more than three people every day to get their social enterprises off the ground.

The 9CC Group supports projects that make life better for people in the Cumnock and Doon Valley area. It helps fund local ideas that improve the economy, environment, and community wellbeing. The group makes sure decisions are fair, transparent, and based on local needs, while giving residents a real say in how money is used.

BeConnected is a new online resource that will form a dynamic addition to these plans to ensure that they stay up to date and relevant.  The online map gives community groups an opportunity to flag up projects in their area that are a priority; and ensures that funders are aware of what is being developed at grass roots level across Highland, and what stage these proposals are at.