How has your summer been? Busier than Edinburgh during the Fringe? We know that running a rural business is a lot like operating a combine - more complicated than most people realise and with several moving parts! We understand. You’re busy, you juggle many responsibilities, and marketing might be on the back burner. But just as tractors need fuel, crops need rain, and Oasis fans need bucket hats, your business needs promotion to grow. Let us help you steer your business forward.
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Rural Scotland Unpacked: Your Latest News & Opportunities
Welcome to our latest round-up of essential news, events, and opportunities for Rural Scotland. From environmental concerns and agricultural innovations to exciting new services, there's plenty to explore!
Client Spotlight
Our client, Bothanna Cabins, is expanding and searching for a new workshop space. They're looking for a larger premises in East or Mid Lothian, ideally a converted farm shed or similar setting to align with their brand and ethos.
What they're looking for:
A minimum of 200m² of space with high ceilings
A flat concrete floor
Large access doors leading to a flat concrete pad
Outdoor yard space
3-phase electricity
Space for a separate external office
Do you have a suitable space, or know someone who does? Please contact them at info@bothannacabins.com.
In addition to their search for a new workshop, Bothanna Cabins is also exploring collaborations with local landowners to offer short-term retreats and getaways on farms in the East Lothian area. If this is something you'd like to explore, get in touch with James at Bothanna Cabins.
SOPA will again be taking part in Organic September, the UK's biggest month-long campaign dedicated to growing the organic market. Keep an eye on their social when September arrives!
European Rural Parliament (ERP): From October 20-23, 2025, more than 400 rural and island residents from across Europe will gather in Aberdeenshire for the 6th ERP. This event will kick off a democratic process culminating in the Declaration of Inverurie. Scottish Rural Action (SRA) is currently finalising the program and assembling delegations. Spaces are limited, and SRA will invite organisations to nominate representatives. For questions, contact artemis@sra.scot.
Doors Open Days 2025: Get ready to explore hundreds of free events across Scotland! The full program is now live, with events taking place every weekend from September 6-28. Find out more.
Opportunities To Get Involved
Your views can help shape new legislation. The Scottish Parliament is seeking public feedback on two important bills:
Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill: The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee wants to hear your thoughts. Submit your views by September 5, 2025. Learn More.
Ecocide (Scotland) Bill: The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is seeking your input on this proposed bill. Submit your views by September 9, 2025. Find out more.
Innovation & Industry Updates
Ribena Blackcurrant Breeding Program: Suntory Beverage and Food is investing £920,000 over the next five years in a blackcurrant breeding program with Hutton Scientific Services. This initiative will develop more resilient blackcurrant varieties to ensure the iconic Ribena taste continues for years to come. Discover more.
New Service: Rural Mediation: When conversations hit a roadblock in rural businesses or families, Scene & Herd's new mediation service can help you find solutions. Led by Gordon Davies, this confidential service covers everything from partnership disagreements and succession planning to landlord/tenant issues and employment challenges. Mediation provides a calm, respectful space to find practical, mutual solutions.
Recognise Excellence: Awards Season Is Here!
Don't miss your chance to celebrate outstanding achievements in your industry. Nominations and entries are now open for several prestigious awards.
The UK Festival Awards: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this event recognises the very best of the festival industry. The ceremony will be hosted in Manchester on December 2, 2025. Entries close on September 16, 2025. More info.
The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards: A great way for specialist food and drink retailers to showcase their work. Entries are now open for various categories. See the website for details.
Stay Connected
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Do you have news, offers, or vacancies you'd like to share in a future mailing? Let us know how we can help share your story.
Spice Up Your September Social Media: Food, Fun, and Festivities!
September is bursting with delicious reasons to celebrate! From lamb lovers to local food enthusiasts, there's something for everyone to share on social media. Use this guide to create a month of engaging content.
Foodie Fun & Giving Back
Kick off the month by celebrating all things culinary. This is a great opportunity to get your followers involved and show your support for the industry.
Love Lamb Week (September 1-7): Unleash your inner chef! Host a live cooking class, share a simple recipe video, or ask your followers to share their favorite lamb dishes in the comments. Use #LoveLambWeek to join the conversation.
Scottish Food & Drink September (all month): Dive into Scotland's vibrant culinary scene. Showcase tasty local products, visit a farmer's market, or highlight a small business you love. Find inspiration and resources at the official campaign's toolkit and use #ScotFoodandDrink.
National Hospitality Day (date TBC): Show your appreciation for the restaurants, pubs, and hotels that make our communities special. This is a perfect time to highlight your favorite local spots, share a positive review, or raise awareness for hospitality charities. Use #ThankYouHospitality to show your support.
Travel & Sustainability
Sustainability and conscious travel are always great topics to feature. These global days of awareness provide a perfect platform to share educational and inspiring content.
World Tourism Day (September 27): Be a local expert! Promote agritourism experiences, suggest a food trail, or highlight some of your community's hidden gems. Encourage your followers to explore their locality and use #WorldTourismDay.
International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (September 29): Champion sustainability by sharing easy tips for reducing food waste at home or showcasing local initiatives that are making a difference. Use #StopFoodWaste and ask your audience for their best tips.
End the Month with a Bang
International Podcast Day (September 30): Explore the world of podcasts. Recommend your favourites, share a new episode of OnFARM, or ask your audience what they're currently listening to. This is a great way to showcase your brand's personality. Remember, you can listen to all of the OnFARM episodes at podfollow.com/onfarm. Use #InternationalPodcastDay to connect with other listeners.
Ready to Supercharge Your Social Media?
Don't let these opportunities pass you by. If you need help turning these ideas into a winning social media strategy, we're here to help.
Book a Growth Hour with us to get personalised content creation tips, social media management advice, or any other marketing support you need. Contact us today to get started!
