February 2023

Three Engines Charging Snow Drift, Alexander or James Johnston, National Galleries Scotland

“While it is February one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch.” ― Patience Strong

Small businesses are urged to take part in the recently launched survey from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland - the Big Small Business Survey.  This is FSB Scotland’s biggest-ever state of the nation survey project with the aim of capturing a comprehensive snapshot of the trading environment in Scotland.  The survey can be completed at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/bigsmallbizsurvey by 10 March.

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) is open to applications. Farmers, crofters and agricultural businesses in Scotland have until 7 June to submit applications for Agri-Environment and Organic options and until 24 March for Slurry Stores. More info tinyurl.com/3wu2dmkx

Inverness Airport station is now open. The new fully-accessible station on the Aberdeen to Inverness route serves the airport terminal, as well as the new town of Tornagrain and Inverness Airport Business Park.

Entry to the 2023 Rural Business Awards is now open. You have until 5 pm on Friday 3rd March 2023 to complete your entry.  More info here.

The OnFARM podcast continues to grow thanks to the fabulous guests and the various sponsors without whom Monday mornings would be far less interesting.

• In an episode sponsored by Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew, Hannah and Danny Gallagher - aka The Red Shepherdess and Danny the Farrier - shared some very exciting news with listeners.
• Horselyx - makers of a nutrient-rich, cost-effective feeding method for all horses and ponies - were the sponsor of an episode updating listeners on the Moredun Research Institute's search for a cure for Equine Grass Sickness, a mysterious disease which is almost always fatal to horses.
• The Dynescan is a portable pen-side semen quality analyser for livestock industries. Developed at the Roslin Innovation Centre, it provides accurate semen quality results within minutes and can be used by anyone, anywhere. Find out more about Dyneval at their website.  

Catch up on all episodes at podfollow.com/onfarm

p.s. If you like the snowy photograph at the top of this email (taken on 18 February 1895), you may be interested in the Johnston collection contained in the Wick Heritage Centre. The Johnston family were primarily portrait photographers, but over 100 years, the three generations amassed a vital photographic social history.

March dates for your Social Media Marketing

1 March - Royal Northern Spring Show*

2 March – World Book Day is a great opportunity to include the whole team, discuss favourite books and share #shelfies on Instagram!

4 March - National Stallion Show*

6 – 11 March - Scottish Apprenticeships Week & National Careers Week - You can use both #ScotAppWeek23 and #NCW2023 to highlight how your business is backing talent. Why not create a TikTok featuring your apprentices or host a Zoom career event?

8 March - International Women's Day - the theme for #IWD2023 is #EmbraceEquity.  Hosting an International Women's Day event or looking to amplify your organisation's commitment via Twitter? Download or order resources here.

10 – 19 March - British Science Week 2023 has the theme 'Connections'.  Use social media to show how you or your team are #SmashingSterotypes!

15 March - the Spring Budget

21 March  - World Poetry Day

26  March - clocks go forward (at 1. a.m.)


* Always check with organisers before travelling to an event.  With your help, we'd like to put together a listing of 2023 Scottish rural events and county shows.  If you know of any events that are going ahead, please send us the details and we'll include them in our monthly round-up.

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