There were an amazing 18 projects nominated for the Rural Businesses and Employment category. The judges were very impressed by the creativity and diversity of the projects which seek to address this rural challenge.
They shortlisted four great projects (in alphabetical order):
Eigg Box – Creative businesses on the island are small and often home-based which isn’t appropriate or efficient and doesn’t allow for growth. Eigg Box delivers bespoke training for each artist ans networking locally and with visitors. Sales have increased because of the project. Longer-term Eigg Box will provide working spaces.
Jura Community Shop – Using Big Lottery Fund and HIE grants, the Jura Community saved the island’s only
shop & PostOffice. Donating over 2500 hours and with Community Right to Buy, residents (via the Development Trust) purchased and refurbished the historic building. A community company runs the shop; developing the business and creating employment.
Queensberry Initiative – The Queensberry Initiative is a community education charity which links Wallace Hall, local primary schools, the Buccleuch and Queensberry Estate and surrounding communities. We aim to enrich the learning experiences of pupils, to develop their employability skills through partnership working and to raise awareness of local opportunities.
Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust – The Trust is a community led regeneration 
project focussed on making the area a destination of choice for people to live, work and visit. Small budgets and creative minds have led the project to create new jobs and retain talent within the local area, supporting established businesses and attracting new investors.
VOTE HERE!