Just like nature awakens in spring, it's the perfect time to revisit any plans that might have been on hold. Perhaps you've been considering a brand refresh, a new website, or launching a podcast.
Here at Scene & Herd, we love helping rural businesses thrive and were delighted to partner with RHASS to work with them on their series of activities celebrating their founding charity's 240th anniversary.
240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in the agricultural community and we will be working with RHASS through our On Record initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.
The first tale comes from East Lothian farmer, Willie Logan who recorded his story through our very own OnFARM podcast, talking about his life growing up on the farm, family life and more.
You can listen to the podcast here: royalhighlandshow.org/rhass-240/240-stories
Those wishing to share other rural stories are encouraged to get in touch with RHASS at: stories@rhass.org.uk
Those looking to record private stories and memories from family members, outside of this project, can find out more by replying to this email.
Get in touch today and let's chat about how we can help your business blossom this spring!
The benefits of entering and being shortlisted for or winning prestigious business awards are numerous, from supplying you with useful and engaging social media content to securing coverage in key publications. Shown below are some awards which you or your clients may be interested in.
We recently sent out a Rural Resource Survey. Thank you to everyone who sent feedback. It's heartening to know that so many of you value our newsletter and are keen to support it. If you haven't done so, we'd be grateful if you could (it's really quick, 8 questions mostly Yes/No answers!). You can find the survey at tinyurl.com/RuralResourceSurvey.
Applications are now open for the next cohort of SAOS Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders programme which aims to equip ambitious individuals from a range of backgrounds - including large rural organisations, farmer-owned co-operatives, SMEs and the self-employed - with the essential tools to navigate an ever-evolving industry. Find out more at saos.coop/events-and-training
The Centenary Conference of East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists’ Society is being held at St Mary’s, Haddington on Saturday 11 May 2024 and includes such talks as 'Innovation and change in East Lothian agriculture: some examples from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries'. More info here.
Guy Farrand, a student from Royal Agricultural University, would appreciate help with his dissertation on the challenges of introducing pheasant and partridge to the food market - could you complete this survey here: eatwild.co/blog/student-dissertation
Recharge & Reconnect: A Relaxation Weekend for Women in East Lothian. Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in a serene retreat at Carfrae Farm, designed for deep relaxation and connection with nature. Find out more here https://carfraefarm.com/2024/03/28/recharge-reconnect-a-relaxation-weekend-in-east-lothian-launching-soon/
Flytipping continues to be an issue in rural communities and SEPA would like to highlight illegal waste collectors advertising online and how using such services makes us complicit in the problem. Find out more here.
The Scottish Government published its consultation on the details of proposed regulations to restrict the promotion of unhealthy food (food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt) The consultation closes on 21 May. More info here.
If you're looking for FREE Rural Business Tips, check out the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ruralbusinesstips/
As many of you will know, Scene & Herd's co-director and OnFARM Podcast's co-host Monty is undergoing medical treatment. Seven months after a seizure which led to a diagnosis of a brain tumour, Monty and his wife Moira chat with Anna and producer Dave about how things have been. This episode has heaps of gratitude for helpful and supportive people, from Monty's friends, family and neighbours, to the wonderful rural charity RSABI - and some practical support from OnFARM's sponsors Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew. Listen here: pod.fo/e/22a4bf
In the temporary absence of Monty, it can be challenging to create brand new content for the podcast every week so we're very grateful to our friends at SAC Consulting who make podcasts for Scotland's Farm Advisory Service for lending some of their great content:
Catch up with all episodes at podfollow.com/onfarm
The RSABI Great Glen Challenge will again be sponsored by expert legal advisers to the rural sector Gillespie MacAndrew. Enter your team before 24 May at rsabi.org.uk/event/rsabi-great-glen-challenge-2024
We now offer a Growth Hour when you can pick our brains over Zoom or phone on any PR or marketing issues relevant to your rural business. You can also work with us to commission a PR & Marketing Plan and/or a Social Media Audit which will help you to clarify your activities going forward and spur you into action. So, if you aren't currently in a position to engage us as your regular PR agency, you may now access some key pieces of advice to help grow your business!
Remember, you can send us your news, offers, vacancies etc and we'll do our best to include it in future mailings.
4
Catrine Show & Neilston Show
6 - 12
National Hedgerow Week 2024 offers a chance to show off your hedgerows and explain their importance
11
Ayr Show, Kilmalcolm Show, World Gin Day & Eurovision Song Contest 2024!
13 - 19
Mental Health Awareness Week
18
Fife Show & World Whisky Day
20
World Bee Day
20 - 26
Invasive Species Week
23
Outdoor Classroom Day
25
Drymen Show, Lesmahagow Show & Stewarton & Dunlop Show
Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Company Registration Number: SC448325. VAT Registration Number: 162173427