Some 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.
Speaking of growth, the response to our new Rural Marketing mentorship and coaching service has been incredible! If you're ready to cultivate your PR and marketing success, let's chat. We have tailored packages to suit every budget, and my one-to-one online coaching is designed to fit seamlessly into your rural business needs.
News
Environmental News
Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill: This bill introduces measures to protect Scotland's natural environment, including biodiversity targets and updates to national park management. Stage 1 is due by 31 October 2025. You can find more information on the Scottish Parliament website.
RSE Lectures on Rural Scotland: The Royal Society of Edinburgh hosted a series of lectures exploring key issues impacting rural Scotland. You can view "Contested rural environments: a series" on YouTube.
Consultations & Funding
Cruise Ship Levy: The Scottish Government is seeking views on giving local authorities the power to introduce a cruise ship levy. The consultation closes on 30 May. Have your say on the Scottish Government website.
Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA): SCAA needs to raise an additional £2 million in 2025 for their new H145 D3 helicopter. Learn more about "Operation Skyward" on the SCAA website.
Awards & Recognition
Here are some business awards you or your clients may be interested in:
UK Outdoor Industries Awards 2026: Entries close 15 May 2025. Details on The OIA website.
The Independent Hotel Show Awards: Nominations close 12 June. Submit your nominations on the Independent Hotel Show website.
Four in a Bed: Channel 4's popular programme is looking for accommodation owners to participate in the next series. Apply via Studio Lambert.
Featured.com & HARO: Featured.com has acquired Help a Reporter Out (HARO), connecting journalists with expert insights. Register with Featured to showcase your expertise on their website.
Research & Innovation
Sugar Kelp Research: The James Hutton Institute is involved in a project exploring how sugar kelp extracts can improve soil health. Read more on the Hutton Institute website.
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.
June: Sow Seeds of Connection with a Vibrant Social Media Calendar
As the days lengthen and the countryside bursts into life, June offers a fertile ground of opportunities to cultivate deeper connections with your social media audience. The energy of summer festivals and local agri shows is infectious, creating a perfect backdrop to nurture your brand and foster a sense of community. From celebrating the backbone of our rural landscapes to championing vital environmental awareness, June's diverse calendar provides a rich harvest of content ideas. Let's dig in and cultivate a social media strategy that blossoms next month!
June's Blooming Opportunities: A Content Creator's Planner
Embrace the Wild:30 Days Wild
The UK's biggest nature challenge runs throughout June. Encourage your audience (and your team!) to embrace the natural world.
Share your team's "random acts of wildness" – planting wildflowers, listening to birdsong, a lunchtime nature walk. Use photos and short videos!
Run a photo competition asking followers to share their own #30DaysWild moments.
Partner with a local wildlife trust to share their tips and resources.
Create a "Nature Fact of the Week" series related to local flora and fauna.
Various Dates Throughout June: The Buzz of Local Agricultural Shows
June is peak agri show season! Some of the shows we're aware of are: Angus, Carsphairn, Campsie, Gargunnock, Houston, Newmilns, West Fife, NSA Scotsheep, Ardgay, Alyth, Dalry, Stirling, Straiton, Haddington and, of course, the Royal Highland. Your local county show is an unrivalled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of your community and showcase the best of local produce and craftsmanship.
Pre-Show: Create a schedule of local agricultural shows for your followers. Highlight key events and what to expect.
During the Show: Share live updates, photos, and videos from the shows you attend. Interview local producers and artisans. Capture the atmosphere and excitement.
Behind-the-Scenes: Offer glimpses into your preparations for the shows if you're exhibiting.
Engagement: Run a competition related to the shows (e.g., guess the weight of a prize-winning vegetable).
User-Generated Content: Encourage attendees to share their photos using a dedicated hashtag. Repost their content!
Post-Show: Highlight any successes or interesting stories from the events. Thank those who participated.
Cultivating a Thriving Social Media Presence: Essential Practices
Remember, your social media channels are a garden – nurture them with intention and care. Focus on:
Authenticity: Let your true voice shine through. Share genuine stories, insights, and the passion behind your work.
Visual Storytelling: Capture attention with high-quality, compelling images and videos. Remember our tips on sourcing copyright-free visuals!
Interactive Engagement: Spark conversations! Ask questions, run polls and quizzes, and respond thoughtfully to comments and messages.
Value-Driven Content: Provide your audience with information, entertainment, or inspiration that resonates with their interests and needs.
Consistency: Maintain a regular and predictable posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
Harvesting Social Media Success: Let's Grow Together
Are you ready to make June your most fruitful marketing month yet? We're passionate about coaching rural businesses like yours to develop a marketing and PR strategy and giving the tools and confidence you need to make your brand flourish.
