The Growth at the Edge project (aka ‘the rural one’) is all about building a picture of the health and wellbeing benefits of social enterprise activity in the Highlands & Island of Scotland. As I have journeyed to some of the most remote and rural communities in Scotland in the past few months, I have been keeping a photo diary of my adventures….
I’ve met the most amazing community spirited people dealing with major transport issues, lack of services and issues that us urban folk may take for granted, such as access to fresh fruit and vegetables, or being able to reach a doctors surgery. Some rural inhabitants see themselves as the ‘forgotten people’, with ever depleting populations and a lack of vital infrastructure.
In spite of such challenges, the people of rural communities are defiant and resilient, both making the most of what they have and continually fighting for more. They are coming together and building new community centres to create meeting places and to provide activities for all ages…….
Atlantic Centre, Isle of Luing and the Seaboard Centre, Balintore
They are encouraging people to curate their heritage, and are fiercely proud of their history….
The Mermaid of the North and Fish Sculptures, celebrating the fishing folklore of the Seaboard Villages
They are bringing education, arts and crafts to their communities, utilising and nourishing the skills that they have in their populations…
Art projects and handmade woodwork at Cantray Park, Cantray
As well as offering employment to people in the local community, including vulnerable groups and those in need……
Shetland Soap Company, Lerwick and The Elgin Youth Cafe, Elgin
They are encouraging people to ‘grow local, eat local’, with many communities investing in land for traditional crofting and market gardens and education to promote healthy living….
Blooming polytunnels at Cantray Park, Cantray and healthy living education at Elgin Youth Development Group, Elgin
And they are also investing in renewable energy and the recycling of materials to aid the sustainability of their communities for the future of their generations……
Wind Turbines and a brand new ReStore furniture upcycle workshop at Cothrom, South Uist
I have met some very interesting service users along the way…….
Some happy ducks and geese using the pond at the aviary at Cantray Park, Cantray (some had flown all the way from Canada just to use their service)
And I’ve literally been to the very edge of civilisation…..
Views from sunny Lerwick, Shetland
But what is most exciting is that this is only the beginning of my project and I’m looking forward to uncovering so much more! My journey will be taking me to many more remote and rural communities, all with their own stories, of which I hope to share with you along the way!
CommonHealth Researchers 