And just like that, we're over halfway through the shortest month. February may be the shortest month but it has been a particularly busy - and blustery one.
We hope you haven't been too badly unaffected by storm Éowyn. Fingers crossed we have a bit of a break before Floris, Gerben and Hugo pay us a visit! (If you want to suggest storm names for future consideration, send an email to nameourstorms@metoffice.gov.uk)
Just for fun, let's put your general knowledge to a 'short' test...
Where can you find, Britain's shortest railway platform?
Where is the world's shortest street?
What is the shortest word in the English language containing all five vowels?
(Answers at the foot of the page)
NEWS
Potatoes in Practice (PiP), Scotland’s largest field-based potato event, will take place on Thursday 7th August 2025 at The James Hutton Institute’s Balruddery Farm in Invergowrie, near Dundee.
Organisers are calling on those who would like to reserve a field plot or a space for a working machinery demonstration to book by 28th February 2025. Potatoes in Practice is hosted by The James Hutton Institute through the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) in partnership with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), and Agrii and is a must-visit for all those in the potato industry. The annual event aims to foster learning and agricultural innovation, offering a comprehensive showcase of the latest developments in the potato industry. Information/Booking: pip.hutton.ac.uk
Nominations for The Vendies, The Vending Industry Awards close on 28 February. More info at: thevendies.co.uk
The National Pub & Bar Awards showcases the UK's finest pubs and bars on a national scale, each year crowning the best venues within 94 counties. The closing date for entries is 21 March. nationalpubandbarawards.co.uk
We were delighted with the response to our OnRecord audio initiative which preserves precious voices, stories and memories for the future with a professionally captured and edited audio recording. Imagine being able to hear the voice of a loved one, and listen to their stories, long after they are no longer with you in person. More info at onrecordmemories.co.uk
Was this mailing forwarded to you? Subscribe to the Rural Resource mailing list for more news and opportunities: tinyurl.com/ruralresource
Remember, you can send us your news, offers, vacancies etc and we'll do our best to include it in future mailings.
March Madness: Your Social Media Planner for a Month of Engaging Content
March is a whirlwind of events, from quirky celebrations to vital awareness campaigns. Don't get lost in the madness! This planner highlights key dates and provides content ideas to help you create engaging social media posts that resonate with your audience.
Navigating the Month:
This March, we're focusing on authenticity and relevance. Instead of hopping on every trend, choose observances that genuinely align with your brand's values and mission. This approach builds stronger relationships with your audience by providing valuable and meaningful content.
Key Dates & Content Ideas:
Throughout March: Scottish Tourism Month: Celebrate Scotland's vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. Share stunning visuals of Scottish landscapes, highlight local businesses you support, or discuss sustainable tourism practices. Use relevant hashtags like #ScottishTourismMonth #VisitScotland #SupportLocal. Consider a blog post or short video showcasing a hidden gem in Scotland.
March 3rd - 7th: Scottish Apprenticeships Week: Showcase your commitment to developing talent! Share stories of your apprentices, highlight the benefits of apprenticeships or host a Q&A session on social media. Use #ScotAppWeek25 and consider creating a TikTok or Instagram Reel featuring your apprentices in action. A LinkedIn post about the importance of apprenticeships in your industry would also be valuable.
March 6th: World Book Day: Unleash your inner bookworm! Share your team's favourite books, host a virtual book club discussion, or post "shelfies" on Instagram. Encourage your followers to share their recommendations too. Use #WorldBookDay and consider running a giveaway for a popular book.
March 7th - 16th: British Science Week: Get your science on! Share fascinating science facts, highlight innovative research in your industry, or showcase how your company uses science in its work. Consider running a science-themed contest or quiz. Visit britishscienceweek.org for inspiration and use #SmashingStereotypes.
March 8th: International Women's Day: Celebrate the achievements of women and accelerate action towards gender equality. Share inspiring stories, highlight female role models, or discuss your company's commitment to gender diversity. The theme for #IWD2025 is #AccelerateAction. Download a toolkit for resources and ideas. Consider a LinkedIn post highlighting women in your industry or a social media campaign featuring inspiring women.
March 17th - 23rd: Food Waste Action Week: Join the fight against food waste! Share tips on reducing food waste at home and in your business. Promote the campaign's theme, "Buy Loose. Waste Less" and encourage your followers to take the pledge, download campaign assets and use relevant hashtags. A blog post with practical tips for reducing food waste would be a great addition.
March 25th - 31st: Tick Bite Prevention Week: Raise awareness about tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Share information on tick prevention, including how to identify ticks, how to remove them safely, and how to protect yourself when outdoors. Use suggested wording and images to spread the word and help keep people safe.
A Strategic Approach:
Remember, quality over quantity. Focus on creating authentic, informative, and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. A well-planned social media strategy is key to maximising your impact.
Need a Partner in Your Social Media Journey?
We can help you develop a dynamic marketing strategy that drives engagement and boosts your brand visibility. Contact us today to discuss your social media needs.
'Short' Quiz Answers:
Beauly in the Scottish Highlands which measures 15.06m and is only long enough for a single train carriage.
Ebenezer Place in Wick, Caithness, which measures 2.05m
'Eunoia' (which means "beautiful thinking" or denotes a normal mental state, literally “well-mindedness").
