Highlands and Islands felt like a really obvious choice for planning our first Co-op Learning Journey. There is a wealth of diverse and exciting co-ops already operating in this part of Scotland but there is potential to see adoption of the model increase. This versatile way of working is one that adapts well for rural communities, creating resilient businesses that meet their community’s needs in a way that mainstream business models can’t always achieve.

The event generated strong interest from potential co-ops and the business advisor audience and we were delighted to host 26 participants across the two days to hear from co-ops and support organisations.

Day one began at the Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness where we welcomed speakers from our own Co-operative Development Scotland Team, Darah Zahran and Stewart Macgregor who set the scene for the days ahead.

Martin Meteyard, Co-operate Scotland, then provided a workshop on how the co-operative model can create and sustain a successful, values-based business, the steps needed to start one and the support available to do so. He was followed by fellow Co-operate Scotland member Tor Justad who provided an overview of the successful co-op already flourishing in the region.

We were then joined by some of those successful co-ops who shared more of their story in more detail with us. These included:

• Cathy Craig, Argyll and Isles Tourism Co-operative, the strategic destination management organisation for Argyll & the Isles on the West Coast of Scotland.
• Kevin McCubbin, Highland Wholefoods, a workers co-operative situated in the city of Inverness who supply vegetarian, vegan, organic, ethical and environmentally friendly food, drinks and household products to customers in the Highlands, islands and north-east.
• Gary Jack, Highland Peoples Power, a new community benefit society, pushing for increased community ownership of renewables in the region, from solar and wind to battery storage.

Further information on support for Co-ops was shared by Stewart Macgregor CDS, and John MacKenzie, Highland and Island Enterprise.

After the presentations we had the opportunity to visit Highland Wholefoods premises where Kevin and fellow co-op member Susan Guest, gave delegates a tour of the warehouse and showroom giving a behind the scenes glimpse to how the business runs and the opportunity to ask questions about the practicalities of operating as a co-op. 

Day 1 was closed by our incredible after dinner speaker, Neil McInroy. Neil, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at The Democracy Collaborative spoke for about the importance of inclusive and democratic business models including co-ops to Scotland. He shared his learnings from his many years of working on policy and as an adviser, researcher, practitioner, and organisational leader in this area. He also shared insight from his international visits and where Scotland could look to learn from. It was an inspiring way to end day one of the learning journey.

Day two saw our group move on to the village of Drumnadrochit where we were warmly welcomed by Russell Fraser and Gordon Findlay of Loch Ness Hub and Travel, a community benefit society operating as a community co-operative. Housed in the former Visit Scotland Tourist office in the centre of the village, the business provides vital services to tourists visiting the area and plays a critical role in supporting tourism business and infrastructure for the area.

We then moved on to the Glen Urquhart village Hall. Operated by Glen Urquhart’s Development Trust, the hall itself provided an opportunity to see community ownership in action and the importance and role of facilities such as this to rural communities.  There we were joined again by Gordon from Loch Ness Travel Hub who provided more insight to the organisation’s set up and how they operate. Our second speaker of the morning was Murdo Macdonald of  Great Glen Energy Co-op, an Industrial and Provident Society established for the purpose of owning a stake in the Millenium Wind farm near Invergarry.

We would like to thank all our delegates, speakers and host companies who participated across the two days. We hope it left you feeling inspired and ready to either set up your own co-operative business or spread the word about the importance and potential of this way working. We look forward to bring your more events in 2025.