September 21st 2026
September 21st 2026
With the Patronage of HRH King Charles III and many trustees, volunteers and donors, the North Highlands Initiative (NHI) has been providing value to Scottish communities for many years.
Our very own Karen Scholes was delighted when she was asked to join them as a director and trustee and is excited to get involved with their initiatives.
The NHI supports communities across the Highlands and Islands by delivering programmes and grant funding that promote local talent and natural resources, strengthen economic stability, and help build resilient, diverse communities.
It also helps voluntary and not-for-profit organisations through its Community Infrastructure Support Programme (CISP) and supports farmers and rural businesses through its promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
The King has supported the North Highlands Initiative since its inception in 2005 and continued his patronage following his succession in 2022.
Alongside this royal support, the charity’s impact is driven by the dedication of its trustees, volunteers, donors and partner businesses, all of whom share a commitment to strengthening communities and supporting local enterprise across the region.
At Scholes CA, we are proud to support organisations that make a real difference, and we’re delighted that Karen has joined the board to contribute to this important work.
As Karen says: “When the opportunity came up to become a trustee and director of the North Highlands Initiative and support the work it does across the Highlands and Islands, I was honoured to say yes.
The charity has a fantastic team of trustees, staff and volunteers, and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping build on the success they have already achieved.”
NHI works with local farmers in the Highlands and Islands to provide high-quality, locally sourced, and sustainable produce to consumers across the UK.
Karen says, “the farming side of the NHI is massive for both me and Scholes Chartered Accountants as a business.
“We have many clients who operate in the agricultural sector or who are long-standing farming families so I am sure I can bring value to the NHI through my experience in this area.
“Thus far, however, we haven’t had a successful application from Orkney or Shetland which is something I am keen to change!”
Karen is also keen to contribute to the NHI’s focus on cluster farming which is tied into its commitment to sustainability.
Cluster farming is a collaborative model where neighbouring farmers or smallholders in an area all cooperate to optimise their resources or market power.
“Often, these cluster farming initiatives have delivered massive change to their communities.
“With farming under continual pressure from economics and taxation, projects like these can be a lifeblood to Scottish agriculture,” Karen adds.
“There are a few ways you can support the NHI,” says Karen.
“The first is by donating to support the initiatives that we have running currently” which you can do via the link here.
Alternatively, says Karen, “you can engage with the NHI through initiatives in conservation, farming, local community activity and through social media.”
On the other hand, if you’d like to apply for funding directly with the NHI, please feel free to speak to Karen directly.
Get in touch with our team for more information and to get involved.
