With almost all restrictions now at an end in Scotland, and many businesses ready to get back to full capacity, we are hoping everyone had a great first week beyond level 0. This blog contains a brief summary of the changes, as well as opportunities and projects you can get involved in.
Moving Beyond Level 0: Monday saw the end of legal requirements for physical distancing and limits on gatherings, with all venues across Scotland able to re-open.
Some protective measures will stay in place, such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. Organisers of outdoors events of more than 5000 and indoor events of more than 2000 will have to apply for permission. Home-working is still advised where possible and travel restrictions may be brought in as and when necessary.
Project InDaLE: A German research project at the University of Oldenburg (Northwest Germany) is addressing innovative ideas for improving life in rural areas. The project is funded by the German Federal Government and is exploring good practice examples that can be transferred to Germany. For this purpose, they are carrying out investigations in rural areas in Scotland and Sweden. The core objective is to identify new solutions and models for post-school education especially designed for rural communities — help by taking their survey here.
Food Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme: Start up and existing businesses involved in the processing and marketing of agricultural produce into food products can now apply for this grant scheme to support them to contribute to the government’s overall vision for food and drink in Scotland. Applications are currently open and will close on 12 September 2021. Find out more here.
The Islands Bond: A consultation on the proposed Island Bond has been published by the Scottish Government, seeking the views and suggestions from people across Scotland on the intention to offer 100 bonds of up to £50,000 to young people and families to stay or to move to islands threatened by depopulation. Find out more here.
Our Island Stories Film Festival: The Scottish Island Federation are accepting submissions of films created by young people 12 – 25 years and living on a Scottish island. The film should be three minutes or less and focus on life on a Scottish island. Submissions close on Saturday 14 August. Find out more here.
Boynes Emerging Artist Award: International artists call out to submit work in visual 2D & 3D mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Deadline Monday 22 November. Find out more here.
Anne Brown Essay Prize: This £1,500 prize will be awarded for the best published or unpublished literary essay by a writer in or from Scotland. There’s no set subject for entries, although entrants are encouraged to address “aspects of our shared social, cultural or emotional lives”. Deadline is Friday 27 August at 17:00. Find out more here.
Scotland Digs Snapshots - Photography Commission: The Dig It! project is looking to commission several photographers based in Scotland to capture the experience of archaeological fieldwork. Payment is £500 (including VAT) and travel expenses up to £100 (including food and drink) will also be covered. Deadline is 9:00am on Monday 16 August. Find out more here.
Youth Arts Fund Bursary Programme: This fund will provide opportunities for arts and creative organisations to support young early-career artists and creative practitioners aged 18-24. Organisations can apply for funding to offer up to 5 bursaries to these artists to create new or develop existing work. Deadline for applications 12 noon, 27 August 2021. Find out more here.