News and Updates
See what’s cooking at Connect Local! You’ll find our latest news and updates listed below.

Funding for collaborative local food and drink projects in Scotland
Applications are being accepted for grants of up to £5,000 as part of an initiative to help drive collaborative projects that celebrate and promote locally sourced and produced food and drink in Scotland. £65,000 has already been awarded to 15 projects across Scotland, providing vital funding when these initiatives need it most.
read more
2018 Orkney Food and Drink Awards Winners Announced
Orkney’s finest food and drink businesses were recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony held in Kirkwall. Thirty-one local businesses were shortlisted for 12 different accolades in the 2018 Orkney Food and Drink Awards, covering everything from the best bar and...
read moreEnvironmentally friendly farming
A new funding round under the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme for 2019 has been announced. The scheme, which promotes land management practices that protect and enhance Scotland's natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and mitigate and adapt to...
read more
£65,000 for projects to support locally-produced food and drink
The first round of grants to promote Scottish produce have been announced, as part of the Scottish Government’s ‘Regional Food Fund’. The fund provides support for regionally-based businesses and projects, who traditionally can struggle to attract funding. A total of...
read more
New plan to increase food and drink tourism
A new plan to develop food and drink tourism in Scotland will aim to deliver an additional £1 billion to Scotland’s economy by 2030. The industry-led Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan, launched today by the industry and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the Isle of...
read moreSmall Food and Drink businesses given opportunity to grow and develop their markets
Food and drink business in Inverness and the surrounding regions are being invited to a two-part series of free workshops aimed at supporting businesses who are looking to develop their commercial capabilities and capitalise on growing demand for produce from the...
read more