NorthLink Ferries was a sponsor of the Rural Transport study trip, which involved visits to inspiring community-led projects in Huntly. Based in Aberdeen, Serco NorthLink Ferries provides scheduled lifeline passenger and freight services from the Scottish Mainland to Shetland and Orkney, operating three passenger ferries and freight vessels. More than a business, they are viewed as a member of the local community, serving key sectors of Northern Isles economies, including the agriculture, aquaculture and tourism markets, carrying over 43,000 freight trailers and over 400,000 passengers per year.

Arbikie Distillery hosted the Enterprise and Rural Leadership study trip to Angus, curated by Angus Rural Partnership and involving other inspiring rural enterprises. The Stirling family have been farming at Arbikie for four generations, building on a farming heritage that stretches back to before 1660. From sowing and harvesting crops to distilling their range of “field to bottle” spirits, the family’s work is rooted in a deep understanding of the land.

In the 1920s, great uncle Bill moved the family to Lunan Bay on the Angus coast. He passed the farm to his nephew John, who later handed it to his son Alex and his wife. They expanded the acreage and paved the way for the next generation to establish Arbikie Distillery.

Arbikie Distillery has long farmed with deep respect for the land, growing its own crops, sourcing its own water, and cultivating its own juniper and botanicals. The distillery is expanding its use of solar energy and recycling waste products as cattle feed or fertiliser wherever possible.

From field to bottle, the distilling process involves negligible food miles, ensuring truly local and sustainable production. Nàdar Gin and Vodka, made from green peas, demonstrate a commitment to innovation and sustainability, reimagining the supply chain from the ground up.

Steam, a crucial part of distillation, is usually generated from fossil fuels. By installing a green hydrogen electrolyser, Arbikie Distillery is on track to become the world’s first hydrogen-powered distillery, producing steam with zero carbon emissions without altering the spirit-making process. The system is being installed to maintain momentum toward becoming one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries.

The Scottish Community Alliance (SCA) provided funding support for the European Rural Parliament (ERP) study visits, enabling host communities to showcase rural excellence and bring programme themes to life.

SCA is a membership organisation that works collaboratively to strengthen Scotland’s community sector and ensure it has a strong voice in shaping policy. By raising awareness of its vital role and fostering cross-sector collaboration, SCA maximises the impact of communities nationwide.

Their Vision for Scotland sets out what communities need to thrive and build a sustainable future. In their 25/26 Manifesto, they call for devolved power, responsibility, and budgets to the most local level. Alongside this, their Manifesto for Action offers 80+ recommendations to help deliver that vision.

Jill Keegan, Partnerships Manager at the Scottish Community Alliance (SCA), comments: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the ERP exchanges in partnership with SRA, to help facilitate mutual support and peer to peer learning with our European neighbours.”