Our visit involved two rural communities at either end of Scotland from Bernera to Dumfries- one island crofting and one forestry based and learnt that each have similar issues with an ageing and reducing population, public services and remoteness from large towns. Both have difficulties gaining new members even though have encouraged new members to join using similar methods.

Learning Outcomes

• To understand how each group fits into their local community and how they can encourage more people to join in the group activities to the benefit of both existing and new members.
• How each group raises funds to continue operating, not just what grants may be available, but what local fund raising activities they have locally, which work and which do not. Also are there any cost saving ideas that could be shared.
• For the people of Bernera to see and learn about an area of Scotland that few have visited, to learn about the heritage such as Robert Burns in Dumfries and to experience a different landscape from the one they live in.

"The exchange gave a chance for older people from two different communities, one small island and one small rural village, to meet up face to face and learn about the way of life in each area. We identified our similarities, differences and problems each face and shared some practical solutions that each have found to implemented in the others area,.in particular how to encourage more people in their areas to come out and join the clubs hence reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that is prevalent in such small rural communities."