WELCOME to the March edition of the Transition Scotland news email. TSS is advertising a new full time post, check it out below...

TSS NEWS

GATHERINGS GALORE

Last year TSS collaborated with 5 communities across Scotland to run regional gatherings in their area. This year we're going to produce a handy 'Guide to Running a Regional Gathering' (available soon), to make it even easier to run one. We'll also be able to help out with funds and advice and so on, so do think about whether your group would like to take something like this on. The first way we can help is to keep a record of who's interested and where, so that if there are 2 groups close together wanting to run an event, we can put you in touch with each other.

It would also be good to have a small steering group for this year's Scottish gathering, so let us know if you'd like to help make this year's gathering the best one yet!

 Email eva@transitionscotlad.org about either of the above.

TRANSITION SCOTLAND SPEAKER'S DAY

10 - 4pm, March 22nd - Perth (venue tbc)

One of the most frequent requests to TSS is to have someone along to give a public talk. It's a vital part of the on-going awareness raising that we need to do - and can be specially powerful if the speaker is a local. Being able to give an inspiring talk which puts your message over clearly is a key skill - and can be great fun to do! If you'd like to have a safe space to practice your existing talk, or work on a new one with some help if you've never done it before, please come along to the TSS speakers day.

There will be short presentations from those who've already done some speaking, with the chance to give and receive feedback, and time to think about what kinds of support you would need if you were to become part of a Scottish Speakers' Network. Includes a delicious lunch - and your travel expenses will be covered too. Email eva@transitionscotlad.org to book a place.

TRANSITION SCOTLAND CHILDCARE TEAM DAY

10 - 4, March 23rd

Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 54 Bell St, Glasgow, G1 1LQ

If you are interested in thinking about the possibility of a Transition Childcare Team who would be able to deliver the kind of splendid, relevant, incredibly good fun childcare that we had at the National Gathering in December to other Transition (and like-minded) events in Scotland, you may want to come along to this day. We will spend our time having an open conversation, looking at the possibilities of how a team could be created and how it might work: would it provide the folk involved with work opportunities? how would it best be structured? are there resources that would be helpful? Get in touch soon, as places are limited. Lunch and travel expenses covered. Email eva@transitionscotlad.org to book a place.

TRANSITION SCOTLAND NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH – VERY NEARLY THERE!

Those of you who were at the National Gathering in December will remember the promise of a new look to our website with all sorts of nice things added to support the work that is going on around the country. Well, we are, after much pregnant waiting, nearly there so watch out for an email update later this month letting you know we have gone live and inviting you to visit and tell us what you think.

RESOURCES TO BORROW FROM TSS

Just to remind you that our current list of DVDs (available for the price of the postage back to us) is as follows:

• One Man, One Cow, One Planet

• In Transition The Movie 1.0

• Petroapocalypse Now

• The Powerdown Show

• Escape from Suburbia

• Metanoia: A New Vision of Nature

• Money as Debt; The Future of Food

• The End of Suburbia - Oil Depletion and the collapse of The America Dream

• Crude Impact - It's worse than you think, but it's not too late

• The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

• The Story of Stuff

Please email Fiona to book a film and check availability, fiona@transitionscotland.org

Transition News

WANT SOME RESEARCH DONE?

Could your Transition group benefit from research on your projects by Edinburgh University students? Transition Edinburgh University is really keen to advertise opportunities for students to tie their dissertation / doctoral research - both technical and / or social - more closely with practical action happening in communities across Scotland. If interested, please contact Pam McLean on pam@transitionedinburghuni.org.uk or phone us on

FIFE DIET ANYONE?

Dear Transition Friends... We have always seen ourselves as part of the transition movement and we're glad to be able to offer Fife Diet membership both to all transition members in Fife (North Howe, Falkland and North Queensferry) and to members throughout Scotland as 'Friends of Fife Diet'. You don't have to eat exclusively food from Fife to join. Instead we ask you to join us on a journey of sustainable low carbon living. If you join as a Research Volunteer we will give you a personalised carbon foodprint of the impact (and reductions) your actions will make over the coming year. Plus - four free local food booklets! Remember you don't have to be 100% local, you can do it if your vegetarian, we can help you reduce your food impacts and show you the results. Go here for free online membership: http://www.fifediet.wildapricot.org/

Jobs

TRANSITION SCOTLAND SUPPORT (Edinburgh)

Transition Scotland Support is recruiting for a new post to develop a range of printed, video, web based and other resources around training, mentoring and re-skilling for Scottish Transition communities.

We're looking for someone to connect with local groups around Scotland and create accessible materials that tell their stories, someone who can create contexts for people to share their experience and skills, to inspire and resource people involved in Transition. Experience of working with community groups will be essential, as is a real ability to communicate, enthuse others and draw together people and information. If you think you'll be able to hit the ground running, and help us develop valuable resources for communities over the next year, we'd love to hear from you.

This job is full time, and is a fixed contract till 31st March 2011. You will need to be available for meetings in Edinburgh 1 day a week.

Closing date 23rd March 2010.

If you are selected for an interview you will be contacted by the 26th March 2010. Interviews will be held on 1st April 2010. Start date ASAP. 
Application form and details are on the www.transitionscotland.org website http://transitionscotland.org/tssjobs. 
Please email your completed application form to eva@transitionscotland.org



VACANCY ON HOLY ISLE

The Holy Isle Project are looking for a volunteer to help with two renewable energy electricity generation projects and to provide back up for general office administration. Duration: April – October 2010, with option to extend. If you are interested in finding out more about this vacancy, email volunteering@holyisle.org for a volunteer application pack by 21st March 2010 . If you have any queries and want to have a chat, call Adam or Martin on 01770 601100.
For more information on the Holy Isle Project, visit our website www.holyisle.org


Training

TRAINING IN LEADERSHIP

Sat 20 - Fri 24 March 2010 : Findhorn, Moray

A 5-day training course designed to help you to develop the leadership and resilience required to galvanise your Transition Town, workplace, teams or community to stay on track and fulfil their purpose in times of rapid change and transition. The training comprises two modules, which can be taken separately or together. For more information click here. To book online www.findhornconsultancy.com or contact bookings@findhorn.org

ABERDEEN FORWARD TRANSITON WORKSHOPS

A series of workshops running throughout the year, to help you ‘reskill’ for a lower carbon future. Visit the website for details of a variety of different workshops available for individuals and groups. Dates and times are subject to change so visit the website for uptodate details http://www.aberdeenforward.org/workshop-events

PARTICIPATION IN POLICY AND PLANNING PRESENTATIONS

Tues 16 March 2010 : 6 - 9pm

Committee Room 1, Scottish Parliament Holyrood, Edinburgh

Dr Roger Sidaway has been running this MSc module at Edinburgh University for a number of years which culminates in an action research collaborative group project which is then presented at the Scottish Parliament. This year it is on Transitioning Edinburgh University.
Further details at http://www.transitionedinburghuni.org.uk/



A BOTTOM UP APPROACH TO COMMUNITY GARDENING


Fri 9 April 2010 : 9am- 5pm

VOCAL, 8 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW 



The Growing Communities in Scotland Partnership and City of Edinburgh Council invites anyone active in community managed land issues to take part in a day of sites visits, networking and sharing good practice through case study tours of four successful Edinburgh projects. We will visit four diverse community gardens.. This day is for anyone involved or interested in accessing land and establishing community led projects using a bottom up approach. Interested? Please contact Louisa@webshire.net by no later than Friday 19th March.

AN INTRODUCTION TO ECOPSYCHOLOGY

Sun 11 April 2010 : 9.30am - 4pm

VOCAL, 8 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW

What is the responsibility of a therapist on a dying planet? Ecopsychology is an emerging discipline which brings together ideas from ecology and psychology, with a core assumption being that our wellbeing is intimately connected to that of the earth. Whilst approaches such as family systems theory address an individual’s relation with others, ecopsychology takes this further and seeks to also include our relationship to the earth. The workshop will be facilitated by Ada Blair, a BACP-accredited counsellor and manager of a voluntary sector counselling agency in Edinburgh and costs £40 per person. Further details from Ada at caladach@blueyonder.co.uk



EXPLORATIONS IN EMPATHY AND MINDFULNESS


Fri 16 April 2010 - Sun 18 April 2010 : Holy Isle



The mutually-enhancing methods of MBCT and Compassionate Communication (based on NVC) can dramatically increase your capacity to deal effectively with stressful situations. The weekend offers a balanced programme of workshops, meditations, and free time for reflection and to enjoy the beauty of the island. For more information visit the www.bodhi-eco-project.org.uk website




Events 


NIELSTON'S UP FOR POWERDOWN 

Neilston Development Trust, are organising a big outdoors marquee/street based event in support of our "Sustainable Neilston"/carbon footprint reduction challenges. This is also an opportunity to celebrate community life with a lively daytime programme of events, workshops, information, demos and activities. Don’t miss the lantern parade in the evening and a finale of great local music at the Low carbon Ceilidh (delicious light supper included!). For more information, visit their website here.

SCOTTISH RENEWABLES ANNUAL CONFERENCE


Tues 23 March - Wed 24 March 2010 : Hilton Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow

This conference will bring together senior executives, business leaders, government and influencers from around the UK. Further details at www.annualconference.co.uk

UNIVERSITY FOOTPRINTS, COMMUNITY HANDPRINTS


How Can We Create Low CO2 Universities?
 : Fri 26 March 2010 : 1-5pm

University of Edinburgh, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ



Right now, pollution is changing our climate and cheap oil is running out. How can students and staff work together to make our Universities fit for the future?
 Workshops and discussion about practical projects to create low-CO2 Universities.

If you're interested in attending, please email ric@transitionedinburghuni.org.uk or Ruth.Bush@nus-scotland.org.uk. More information will be available online at www.peopleandplanet.org/goinggreener from 11th March.
 Sign-up on facebook.

TOWARDS THE ZERO CARBON HOUSE


Sat 27 March 2010 : 11am – 1pm

The Aberdeen Arts Centre, Aberdeen

FREE to Friends of Planning Aid for Scotland. Professor Gokay Deveci, Robert Gordon University. Further information on their web site http://www.planningaidscotland.org.uk/.



LINKING IN WITH NATIONAL AND LOCAL STRATEGIES AND POLICIES


29 March 2010 :9.30am-3.45pm

The Hidden Gardens, Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2PE



With Jillian Flye (SCVO Policy and Parliamentary Information Officer), and Peter McColl (SCVO Policy Officer- Localism). The day will focus on an outline of the workings of the Scottish Parliament and various ways you can get involved; Policy at national level; A look at local government, and how to tie in with local strategy; How to influence policy; How to link in with current policy directions; Keeping up with policy and developments; What the FCFCG and Trellis do at policy level and how they can support you.
 Book by Monday, March 15th 2010.

Contact Naomi Knights at naomi@farmgarden.org.uk or tel: 0131 623 7058

Other news

EU ANNOUNCES NEXT LIFE+ FUNDING ROUND

The European Commission has announced that the 2010 funding round under its Life+ Programme will open for applications on the 5th May 2010. LIFE + programme is the EU’s main fund for supporting environmental projects. With a budget of €2.143 billion, Life + (2007 -13) will address all four priority areas of the Sixth Environment Action Programme. These are: Climate change; Nature and biodiversity; Health and quality of life; Natural resources and waste.

The provisional closing date for applications will be the 1st September 2010. Find out more here.

ONE PLANET LIVING GRANT SCHEME

Through the One Planet Living (OPL) Grant scheme, schools, community groups and charitable organisations can apply to their local B&Q store for funding to support a local community project. Projects must support at least one of the following themes; conserve nature; save energy; grow your own; and local culture and heritage. The scheme provides £50 to £250 (at retail cost) of B&Q materials. Find out more here.

FARMERS OFFERED NEW GREEN FUNDING DEAL

The Carbon Trust has announced financial help is now available for farmers to invest in energy-saving equipment. British farmers are now eligible to apply for unsecured, interest-free loans for between £3,000 and £20,000 to help them upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment. The new funding has been provided to help the farming sector to meet the carbon reduction aims laid out the Government’s Low Carbon Transition Plan.

GREEN BUSINESS FIFE AWARDS


The Green Business Fife Awards recognise achievements large and small in Fife Businesses. Application forms can be accessed here, and all applications must be received by the 12th of March

EAST NEUK AND LANDWARD ENERGY NETWORK


East Neuk and Landward Energy Network are in discussions with The Energy Savers about setting up a discount scheme for households who wish to use their products. If you are not familiar with their portfolio have a look at www.theeenergysavers.co.uk. We have set up a meeting with their representative on March 15th from 10am, which we are looking to hold in Anstruther Town Hall.

Please email joanna@eastneukenergy.org.uk to find out more.

WANTED! GARDEN SHARE SCHEME OR COMMUNITY GARDEN...

...
which members of Ross of Mull Transition can come and visit for ideas, advice etc. It would be great to learn a bit more about how such a scheme can work from seeing it in operation. Responses gratefully received.

Please contact Gillian Cummins, Staffa House, Fionnphort, Isle of Mull Tel: 01681 700677 gillian@staffahouse.co.uk

The bit at the end...

Learn and laff with Robin Newman's 'History of Oil', then help him out and buy the DVD here.  If you wait a bit, TSS will get one and you can borrow it!

And if you're feeling brave, here's Richard Heinberg's Peak Everything talk - fun fun!!