Spring has well and truly sprung across Scotland, bringing a season of growth, fresh energy, and positive change here at Countryside Learning Scotland.
We’re delighted to begin by welcoming two new members to the CLS team — Anna MacKinnon and Alice MacKenzie-Bennett. Both bring valuable experience and enthusiasm to the organisation, and we’re excited to have them on board as we continue to expand our reach and impact.
Behind the scenes, the team has been busy delivering events across the country while also preparing for an exciting year ahead. With developments underway across our core initiatives, it’s shaping up to be a significant and progressive period for CLS.
Continuing to inspire the next generation
We have continued to deliver impactful work across Scotland, with a standout day at Reay Forest Estate on 30th April – our very own Douglas Gibson coordinated with schools to bring 150 pupils together from across the North Highlands!
With the excellent weather shining down, pupils spanning from primary to S3 experienced work and life on a modern Highland estate – learning about land management, environmental conversation, traditional and modern techniques, and the variety of rural careers available. Hands-on activities included planting, soil work, and tractor driving, with the Reay Forest team sharing insights throughout.
The schools event was followed by a well-supported public open day, including attendance from the Lord Lieutenant of Sutherland, giving the wider community a chance to learn more about the estate and the organisations (including CLS, Westminster Foundation, Scottish Land & Estates, West Sutherland Fisheries Trust and North West Highlands Geopark) involved in supporting rural skills and careers across the region.
A massive thanks to the Reay Forest team from everybody, and we’ll hopefully be back in 2028 with a repeat performance!
Putting Young Voices into Our Work
We’re excited to open applications for our Youth Action Group (YAG), inviting young people aged 14–25 to help shape the future of rural and outdoor industries across Scotland.
YAG puts young people at the heart of our work – giving them the chance to share ideas, act as ambassadors, and take part in a youth-led project supporting events, content creation, and engagement.
Through involvement in YAG, participants will gain a number of benefits – from confidence, skills in leadership and employability, industry networking and even access to nationally recognised training – thanks to our partnership with SRUC.
This programme offers practical, real-world experience to support future education and career pathways within the rural sector and beyond. Find out more here.
👉 Applications are open until 17th May 2026 – spaces are limited!
Raising employability through RES
We are continuing to evolve our core initiative, Pathways to Rural Work, with an exciting new development: the Rural Employability Scheme (RES).
The Rural Employability Scheme represents the second and third phases of Pathways to Rural Work, with a stronger focus on supporting young people as they transition from education into meaningful employment within the rural sector.
RES has been designed into a 2 year programme to bridge the gap between learning and work by providing more targeted, structured support. This includes:
🌱 Clearer progression routes into rural careers
🌱 Increased access to hands-on training and work-based opportunities
🌱 Stronger connections between young people and employers
🌱 Tailored support to build confidence, skills, and job readiness
By enhancing employability and creating direct links to industry, the Rural Employability Scheme will ensure that young people are better equipped to take their next steps—whether that’s entering the workforce, apprenticeships, or further training.
We launching recruitment for a first year of members from now so we can commence the programme of events for September 2026 – if you are interested or know individuals that would benefit…click here to find our dedicated page and contact your Regional Coordinator today!
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