by Brenna Anderson
We are concluding the current chapter of our community composting work, so it’s a good moment to reflect on our progress. It began as an idea at the 2021 Highland Good Food Conference. In 2022, we partnered with eight community organisations to form the Highland Community Waste Partnership. With key collaborators like Lesley and the Lochaber Environmental Group, we launched pilot composting projects, introducing Joraform composters to local groups.
When the partnership ended, funding from the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub allowed us to refresh highlandcompost.scot; adding new resources and case studies. We also supported four new community composting sites: Kyle Feeds in Ardgay, Duror Primary School, Kirkhill Community Centre, and Aviemore Primary School.
Together, these projects have composted over 1.5 tonnes of food waste – a small but meaningful step. It highlights the power of community-led solutions in transforming local food systems. Every compost heap reflects time, action, and agency. I want to say a heartfelt thanks to all our partners, volunteers, and collaborators.
I’ll be stepping back to a part-time role, focusing on supporting new composting initiatives and maintaining the Highland Compost website. Working with so many inspiring groups has been a joy and fills me with so much hope for the future of community-driven food systems.