Local social enterprises highlighted in digital brochure developed by Social Enterprise Scotland and CoDeL

Abigail Taylor

Showcasing the history, diversity and future vision of social enterprises based between Berneray and Eriskay, the new digital brochure highlights the impact of a range of community enterprises on the islands and their populations.

Scattered across these islands are more than 50 social and community enterprises, spanning some 40 years service, ranging from internationally recognised centres of excellence to small community halls that provide essential local facilities.

Uist, alongside Lewis, was the earlier this year recognised with the first ‘Social Enterprises Place’ award in Scotland. 

Social Enterprise Places are areas where social enterprise activity is thriving, from neighbourhoods to villages, towns, islands and both urban and rural communities. 

Case studies highlighted in the brochure showcase the impact and work of social enterprise in our rural communities in Uist, as part of the Social Enterprise Places initiative.

Thomas Fisher, Director at CoDeL, said: “The brochure came about because Social Enterprise Scotland wanted to give out these ‘Place Awards’. I went to them and said that they don’t fully understand how existential social enterprises are on the islands and how much they contribute. Our island communities wouldn’t survive without them.”

“Almost the full team from Social Enterprise Scotland came across and I think they were blown away seeing all these enterprises and community organisations. So we put in an application with a steering group of 30 social enterprises and they just couldn’t turn it down.”

Back at the beginning of the year, an award ceremony was held online due to COVID-19 restrictions and an agreement was struck to organise the development of a digital brochure to showcase the enterprises on Uist.

“If we provided the content then they would provide the design and I think it reflects remarkably well on how strong and dynamic, and enterprising we are as island communities,” continued Thomas.

“We had been talking about this for years, to get mainland based organisations, public agencies and the Scottish Government to recognise what we are doing here but we didn’t have a product and I think this brochure really demonstrates exactly how much we are contributing.” 

Four priorities were outlined for the brochure, namely, young people, health and resilience, Gaelic culture and language and the climate emergency.

“I think the first thing is, we need to recognise what we are achieving here. Uist is an extraordinary community. The individuals, the leaders, even though they won’t call themselves that, the organisations the social enterprises, they are delivering because they believe that’s just what they do, it’s just a way of life. The brochure is there to celebrate what we do, recognise our entrepreneurial energy and our leadership.”

Praise has been forthcoming from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Rural Network. 

“The stats are certainly impressive but it’s not just the numbers. It is inspiring to read of resilient, resourceful and dynamic communities and a great example of just how much people can achieve together. The document highlights their amazing history, and key priorities for the future,” said a spokesperson for Scottish Rural Network.

You can access the brochure here.