Get set for the barter economy

03 December 2012

 A RANGE OF radical ways to boost Black Isle communities through local trading schemes will be explored at a groundbreaking event in Culbokie tonight.

Barter, schemes for trading skills and services and local currencies will be among the systems under the spotlight at Local Trading Without Money at the Findon Hall from 7:30 - 9:30pm.

The event aims to highlight what is already going on locally and look at some of the pioneering methods in use elsewhere.

“Trading goods and services locally has many advantages for communities,” explained Penny Edwards of Transition Black Isle, which is working to help communities find effective local responses to global issues such as peak oil and financial turmoil.

“It helps them become more self reliant, retains value in the community, encourages development of local skills, promotes the use of local resources and builds community support networks.

“The use of conventional money draws us away from local trading and puts resources, power and control in the hands of people outside of our community and particularly in the hands of the big corporations across the world. We gradually become dependent on these global suppliers, and in so doing, become less resilient ourselves.

““We’re really keen to spark ideas of how our communities could be benefiting from local exchange without money.”

An increasing number of communities across the UK and the world have been adopting systems such as time banks - a way of exchanging services and building community - and local currencies in a bid to keep resources form flowing out of their localities.

Recently a local money scheme was launched in Bristol, joining established initiatives such as the Brixton pound, which have proved successful in supporting local businesses, trade and production.

Among the speakers at Monday’s event are David Lynch, who will talk about Easter Ross’s own trading unit, the Dingwall Tingle, Bruce Morrison of the Culbokie Timebank, and Martin Sherring of Transition Black Isle, who will lead discussions on the reasons for keeping trade local. Two short films showcasing local trading systems in the UK and abroad will be screened.

The event is free and informal, with opportunities for discussion and refreshments and home baking available.

For further information contact Penny Edwards on 01349877822.