If you have any information which could be useful for the Network or you feel that something is missing please email info@scoto.co.uk.
Small But Beautiful Ideas
Simple but wonderful initiatives from across the SCOTO Network.
Here's a range of initiatives we're gathering from the SCOTO Network, which don't cost much but have a big impact. Let us know if you have something to add.
Red Telephone Boxes
Communities across Scotland have repurposed their classic old telephone boxes into useful and fun focal points in the street landscape.
You can adopt a classic phone box for your community for as little as £1 and give it a new lease of life as something completely different, but you do have to be a recognised local authority, Community Council (or equivalent) or a registered charity. You can find more information from BT Adopt A Kiosk webpage.
Here are some links to community groups who have repurposed a telephone box:
Portobello Light Box Art Project
Defibrillator Stations in Duirinish and Community Heart Beat Convert Phone Box
Bus Stops
Why not adopt your bus shelter?
Rural bus stops often look very lonely. The Unst Bus Shelter has become famous for its eye-catching changing displays.
Woolly Communities
Crochet and woollen designs on street furniture are as beautiful as a 'bloom' affect and brighten towns and villages throughout the year.
Here's some examples of what some communities have done with their knitting needles:
Strathaven Combat Crotchet and Knitting Ninjas
Pictures to come!
Pay What You Can / Pass It On Schemes
'Pass it on' and 'pay what you can' schemes are becoming popular throughout Scotland, espcially in the current finanical environment.
Here are a number of organisations running these schemes:
GALE Centre
https://galeactionforum.co.uk/pay-what-you-can/
https://galeactionforum.co.uk/pay-it-forward/
Cafe ReCharge CIC
Library of Things
Community libraries are popping up across Scotland where you can borrow something you need. For many families on holiday this can be helpful to keep costs down, reduce what you take on and still be able to have a great time away.
From beach toys to equipment, why not develop your own community library for things people might need on holiday? Some are for free, and some are for a small donation.
Keep Your Area Beautiful
Communities like Discover Cullen hold monthly beach cleans, which have become popular with visitors. It's a great way to give something back and meet locals who will know where the best places to eat and things to do in the area.
Go Girvan has a Litter Picking Station at their visitor hub where you can borrow equipment to clean up. For every person who picks a bag of rubbish from their streets or the beach, they are rewarded with a free hot or cold drink and a snack as a big thank you.