Supporting your work through challenging times

Catalyst Campaigns offers affordable and flexible services based on almost 30 years experience working with voluntary and campaign groups. These services include everything from events and communications to giving organisational strategic support.

Whether you are part of a large organisation running a campaign, or a small community group needing help to be as effective as possible, we can provide a friendly and reliable service to give you the added capacity you need, or to help you troubleshoot when challenges arise.

The support we offer includes:
Profile and communications - advice, writing, editing, graphic design, layout, publishing and video

Strategy and project development - strategy, project design and management
Fundraising support - funding strategy, grants assessment, funding applications
Community involvement - advice and support on engaging people in your projects

The arts and social change - research, writing and applied arts-based campaigns

Click on the links above for more details or call me to discuss your needs.

On the 9th May 2015, Findhorn Coastal Rowing Club launched their beautiful new St Ayles skiff, 'Joppa', built by a very dedicated team from the local community. There was a huge turnout from the village, the surrounding area and other Moray Firth coastal rowing clubs. Everyone enjoyed tea and pies at the pier along with some vigorous singing of sea shanties! The day was rounded off with a ceilidh in the hall.

Promoting Black Isle Bike Fest

Out now - the latest issue of the Reforesting Scotland journal

We were delighted to work with new editor Mandy Meikle to design this month's issue of Reforesting Scotland magazine. It has the theme Coping with catastrophe and covers the range of issues foresters and woodland stewards have to plan for in the face of threats such as epidemics of new tree diseases, storms and climate change. You can become a member and order your issue at www.reforestingscotland.org

The Melting Pot - Scotland's Centre for Social Innovation

This month we've produced promotional banners for the Melting Pot's upcoming events.

Find out more at www.themeltingpotedinburgh.org.uk

Four wooden walls to make the heart sing

This article appeared in the Spring 2013 issue of Reforesting Scotland magazine...

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Sometimes the most profound ideas are best embodied in the smallest of packages. Authenticity is the key, and the lovely Woodman’s Hut at Nethy Bridge has it in abundance. Every detail of this beautifully simple building has been created with warm-hearted consideration for the wellbeing of the people who spend time there, writes Karen Grant.

Occasionally a building welcomes you with the warmth of the good hearts that built it. This is true of the Woodman’s Hut, built by David and Valery Dean in three acres of woodland near their well-loved hostel, The Lazy Duck. The Woodman’s Hut was built as a retreat for one or two people, just a short walk from their cosy and characterful eight-bed hostel. The Deans enlisted talented local craftsmen Rob Clarke and Dave Robson to do the construction, and the finished cabin shows the care and creativity of all the people involved.

One snowy afternoon in January, I visited Nethy Bridge to meet David in the hut at the edge of pine woodland looking directly up to Cairngorm and Bynack More.

A Million Miles better...

Catalyst Campaigns has been delighted to help promote the ground-breaking new Million Miles project launched by Transition Black Isle - including designing their logo in collaboration with their team. Locals say they have set up the project to "help Black Isle residents discover the joys of safer, greener, more sociable ways of travelling."

In the Highlands of Scotland, transport accounts for more than 20% of per capita greenhouse gas emissions, so the project hopes to help people reduce their carbon footprint  dramatically - while also saving money and getting to know others in the area. The Million Miles project has appointed two enthusiastic Project Officers who will co-ordinate and develop the project during the next three years.