Countryside Learning Scotland

24/06/2026

ADHD Rural Connect gone fishing 🎣

Our 2nd year cohort of the project recently visited Meikleour Fishings.

The day began with a meeting with the resident ghillie and a fishing instructor, who shared their knowledge of managing the river beat and guiding guests in the pursuit of Atlantic salmon. The pupils then rolled up their sleeves to learn essential angling skills, including tying fishing knots, assembling rods and reels, and practising their casting techniques on the riverbank.

After lunch, the focus shifted to conservation and wildlife management. The group learned about invasive species such as mink, discovered how populations are monitored and controlled, and explored how to identify and manage Japanese Knotweed. To round off the day, they got stuck into some practical conservation work, helping to clear Himalayan balsam from the riverside.

A brilliant immersive and inclusive day made for ALL. Thankyou to the deliverers, your hard work is greatly appreciated. Meikleour Fishings Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

The NEW bespoke programme preparing young people for the outdoor and rural work place🤸🏻‍♀️

🌱 Introducing RES - the Rural Employability Scheme!

The CLS team have been busy launching this new strand of are starting recruitment in our active regions. In short, RES is a structured 2 year programme for secondary ages to advance their skills, experience and connections to benefit their career pathway. We believe that RES will help achieve many goals for young people, education, business and sustainable development.

To find out more about RES, visit our website - link in comments below.

16/06/2026

Are you a parent in Perth & Kinross thinking about starting your own business?💡

Through Futures for Families, we’re offering start-up grants of up to £3,000, plus friendly one-to-one support, to help you turn your skills and ideas into an income.

Whether you’re interested in baking, construction, childminding, online work, or something completely different, we can support you to get started.

📧 Get in touch to find out more and discuss eligibility: [email protected]

16/06/2026

🚜 Career Opportunity – Apprentice Service Technician 🚜

We have an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Service Technician to join our team at the Beith Depot.

This hands-on role offers the chance to learn from experienced technicians while working with leading agricultural machinery and equipment. A great opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in the industry.

If you’re motivated, practical and eager to develop new skills, we’d love to hear from you.

📍 Beith Depot
📧 [email protected]

Please send your CV and covering letter to apply.

11/06/2026

We are currently seeking a Visitor Enterprise Assistant to join our team at Balmoral Castle for our Autumn and Winter opening.

Picture yourself working with a dedicated team amidst the stunning landscapes of Royal Deeside, welcoming visitors from around the world to one of Scotland’s most iconic destinations. This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work across several visitor-facing departments, helping to create exceptional experiences for every guest who visits Balmoral.

As a Visitor Enterprise Assistant, you will play a key role in creating exceptional experiences for our visitors, working flexibly across departments including the Gift Shop, Exhibitions, Gate and Restaurant. From providing a warm welcome and assisting the public, to handling transactions and maintaining high standards of service, cleanliness and safety, you will help ensure every visitor enjoys a memorable visit to the Highland home of the Royal Family.

To find out more about our career opportunities at Balmoral Castle, please visit https://balmoralcastle.com/about/careers or apply by emailing [email protected]

11/06/2026

Young Farmers are getting 'work-ready' through Pathways to Rural Work 👨🏻‍🌾

There has been a lot of buzz after last week's 2day ATV Sit astride course held at Pitmain Estate, Kingussie for 4 keen members of SAYFC Strathspey young farmers. Countryside Learning Scotland teamed up with Findlay Training to provide the brilliant opportunity for the young farmers to skill up - confidently and safely - and gain accredited certification.

The Young Farmers also demonstrated determination and core skills whilst successfully attaining full funding support towards training expenses. The Next Generation Practical Training Fund, managed by Lantra Scotland, allows young people like Harry, Maisie, Orla and Zara to gain these crucial accredited skills that employers are increasingly recruiting for in future talent.

Our Pathways to Rural Work coordinators work hard to help young people bridge-the-gap between education and employment, understanding that practical skills and experience are crucial towards increasing employability.

Well done to the successful trainees. Huge thanks to Andy and Bridgit at Findlay Training for delivering the brilliant training. And to Pitmain Estate, Kelli at Lantra Scotland and the Strathspey Young Farmers committee. 🎉

10/06/2026

Connecting employers across rural skills and land-based industries in Perth & Kinross 🌿

Join us for Rural Skills: Partnering for Impact, a collaborative event bringing together funding, training pathways and workforce support tailored to rural and land-based industries.

📍 Stanley & District Village Hall
📅 Thursday 16th July 2026
🕒 10am–12pm
🎟️ Free event

- Discover available support and funding for your business
- Gain insight into workforce development and training opportunities
- Connect with partner organisations and fellow employers

👉 To secure your place, register now via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rural-skills-partnering-for-impact-event-tickets-1991046919935

Countryside Learning Scotland
Perth and Kinross Council

08/06/2026

🎣 Lionel Main Junior Angling Course 2026 – is going international! 🇨🇦

The Lionel Main Junior Angling Course returns to the River Spey from 19th–25th July 2026, continuing its mission of introducing young people to fly fishing, fisheries, freshwater ecosystems, and the confidence that comes from learning new skills and overcoming challenges.

The impact of the course can be life-changing. As one parent of a 2025 participant said:
"The trip was a huge success and after a week, the difference in him was unbelievable. He came home with happiness, confidence and self-belief."

🌎This year, the course is taking that experience even further with an exciting new international exchange project, all thanks to David at Windward Education . We are delighted to welcome two young Canadian anglers to Castle Grant this July, where they will join participants throughout the week, sharing their experiences and creating friendships through a shared passion for angling.

Then, in October, a group of participants will travel to the famous Miramichi River, New Brunswick, where they will reunite with their Canadian friends and experience angling in one of North America's most iconic salmon rivers.

This is far more than a fishing trip. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to broaden their horizons through rural industries across the world. The angling course could not be possible without our generous sponsors Seafield & Strathspey Estates (Reidhaven Estate), Saxavord UK Spaceport Ltd and House of Bruar.
If you are interested in supporting our residentials or other meaningful projects - follow this link https://bit.ly/4uYJJhb

08/06/2026