New LEADER Funding for Rural Communities

11.13.17am GMT Sat 24th May 2008

The new LEADER Programme in the Scottish Borders is now open for business. Local groups and organisations can now apply for a share of £2.3 million of rural funding that has been allocated to the region.

The programme offers grants for local projects with the aim of strengthening the rural economy and making rural communities stronger.

LEADER projects can be developed by local groups, businesses, agencies or organisations and can be large or small. Grants of between £1,000 and £80,000 are available. Projects can take place within the Scottish Borders or can be developed in partnership with other regions and other European rural areas.

The types of project which can be supported include new tourism projects, cultural events, training courses, businesses services, new rural community services, youth projects and many others.

The themes for the new LEADER Programme are 'Progressive Rural Economy' and 'Revitalising Rural Communities' and projects should be able to demonstrate how they contribute to these themes. More information and guidance is available from Sam Smith, Rural Development Officer, Scottish Borders Council: samsmith@scotborders.gov.uk 01835 826539 or visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/newleader

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: "The previous LEADER+ programme was hugely successful and was recognised at national level for the quality of the project development here in the Scottish Borders. These projects led to 46 new jobs being created, 147 new community facilities, 4,099 Borders residents gaining new skills or being re-skilled and more than 54,000 visitors attracted to various new tourism activities including the 222 local events and festivals supported."