It’s been great to work here at ACT! I’ve really learned a lot. My placement was made possible by the ScotGrad programme, which is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Scotgrad provides small or medium-sized organisation with graduates to work on projects.

In my role as Business Development Support Officer, I worked on supporting project development, funding applications, and marketing. Read on for some of my highlights over the past year.

1. Work on some great projects

ACT delivers incredible projects across a number of areas from health and wellbeing to invasive species management. It was also great to learn more about the practicalities of peatland restoration and why it’s so important. Highlights included attending the Branching Out celebration on Bute and seeing ACT Argyll’s handywork at Christmas time!

Launch of the Bute Poetry Trail	Made from upcycled pallets

2. Promote what ACT does

From presenting at my ScotGrad training to chatting to people casually about what we do, I really enjoyed promoting the great work that ACT does across Argyll. It was great to talk to people at our meetings and other events about why they should get involved with ACT! 

3. See the benefits of partnership working

ACT works in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage on a number of projects. This was great for me as it meant I got to go goose counting in Kintyre, or bird surveying at Taynish National Nature Reserve! Caroline Anderson from SNH also kindly took me out with pupils from Lochgilphead high school to take some photos at the reserve as part of their Snapberry project. I’ve learned a lot from SNH’s incredibly knowledgeable staff.

Bird census	Taynish NNR

4. See some beautiful places

We’re so lucky to have so much stunning natural heritage in Argyll. From the rainforests, to beaches, to our glorious nature reserves. This is why ACT works hard to sustainably maintain, enhance, and promote Argyll’s coast and countryside. It was great to see new places and discover this amazing part of Scotland.

Westport Beach

5. Work with some great people

Everyone involved with ACT has been very welcoming and supportive to me and it was great to work with them! Thanks to all those at ACT and SNH for your support over the past year.

With ACT staff Elaine and Julie, and board member Andree