Hosting the CC Global Gathering in Scotland

At the beginning of May 2026, HIEF had the pleasure of welcoming over 40 international colleagues from our sister Conservation Collective foundations to Ardtornish Estate on the Morvern peninsula for the annual Conservation Collective Global Gathering.

Hosted by a different foundation each year, the Global Gathering is a unique opportunity for representatives of the 22 different foundations to connect with each other, share lessons, build collaborations, celebrate successes and inspire each other to continue working to protect and restore nature.

Introducing our grantees

Hosting this year’s Gathering enabled us to showcase the work of HIEF and two of our grantees: the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest (ASR) and the Community Association of Lochs & Sounds (CAOLAS). Alison Connelly set the scene with an insightful overview of the evolution of ASR, before we headed out for some hands-on activities in the grounds of Ardtornish Estate, including planting Buckthorn saplings, transplanting hazel seedlings, and removing invasive American skunk cabbage. Everyone really enjoyed getting involved while also learning about Scotland’s rare temperate rainforest and the significant funding gap facing efforts to protect and restore this globally unique habitat.

Our second visit was to CAOLAS at Lochaline Harbour. After Annabel Lawrence introduced everyone to the project, we split into groups for a range of activities and talks. Again, it was the hands-on elements – holding and measuring oysters, recording the number of ‘spat’ (baby oysters) growing on scallop shells – that enabled everyone to connect with the marine environment, and understand the importance of CAOLAS’s work.

Thank you ASR and CAOLAS for hosting us and making our international colleagues so welcome.

The Collectives

The Gathering closes with ‘The Collectives’ – a celebration of the amazing work happening across the network. It was truly inspiring to hear about the Highly Commended and Award Winning initiatives being led by our colleagues and we were absolutely delighted to win the inaugural ‘People’s Choice Award’ for our valued contribution to the network.  The full list of winners and their inspirational projects can be seen here.

Huge thanks to Brora for sponsoring the Collectives, and Nc’nean for sponsoring the drinks reception. Thank you also to Isle of Mull Soap Company, Walker’s Shortbread and the William Grant Foundation for their generous support for the Gathering goodie bags.