Rural Britain is a wonderful assortment of farms, estates, hamlets, villages, forests and moors, lochs and valleys. Our stunning scenery, close communities and wonderful rural businesses provide an idyllic lifestyle for many, but rural life can also throw up some pretty unique challenges.
The Rural Scene (the Scene & Herd rural blog and news updates) looks at what’s new, what’s relevant, what’s tasty, what’s fun and what’s challenging about life in the Great British Countryside. We offer an insider insight into rural Britain, highlighting some of the exceptional people, businesses and innovations we believe that everybody should know about.
The Royal Highland Education Trust is very close to Anna’s heart. As a Trustee, she is keen to share information about this campaign in the hope that we can all help secure RHET’s ability to continue offering children all over Scotland FREE learning about food, farming and the countryside. Without RHET, the future customers of our industry would be missing out on key knowledge about why it is so important to support Scottish farming.
READ MOREAt Scene & Herd, we often talk to clients about the power of storytelling and honesty. So here’s a little truth from us: not every idea we launch becomes a roaring success – and that’s perfectly OK.
READ MOREIt’s no secret that many rural businesses operate on tight margins, and when it comes to hiring, budget is often a major factor. It’s becoming increasingly common to see recent graduates or younger team members brought in to handle a mix of tasks—including marketing and communications—often because they’re seen as “digital natives” or because it’s a more affordable option. There’s real potential in this approach. Young people can bring fresh ideas, energy, and a natural confidence with social media and technology. They’re often quick learners and keen to make a mark. But without the right support, this strategy can sometimes fall flat.
READ MORESome people might think spreadsheets and soil live on different planets, but, living on a farm, immersed in both, I see striking parallels between business and gardening: the long-term vision required, the constant need to adapt, and the sheer resilience involved. Just like a flourishing garden, effective PR and marketing is never truly 'done' – it's a continuous cycle of growth, challenges, and new approaches.
READ MOREEvery morning, I start my day with a cold shower. It’s not glamorous. It’s definitely not fun at the time. But over the weeks and months, it’s become something I don’t think twice about. It sets the tone, clears my head, and gives me a wee sense of achievement before I’ve even had my coffee.Marketing your own business is a bit like that. It can feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar at first, especially if you’re not sure what to say or where to start. But, like any habit, it gets easier with time.
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