[cma-l] Rural Scotland: Funding Opportunity

[CMA-L]

New Funds Make Sure Scotland Isn't LAG-ing Behind

Four new Local Action Groups (LAGs) have been allocated £5 million
funding to support projects that revitalise rural communities.

LAGs have been formed in Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Moray and
Renfrewshire to run funding initiatives financed by the LEADER
programme.

Part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, LEADER has
a budget of £57.7 million available to support projects that benefit
rural communities, boost regional economies, and help to sustain local
environments.

A total of 20 LAGs across Scotland have now been allocated cash to run
their own grassroots-focused funding rounds for small businesses,
social enterprises and community groups in their area.

Revealing the new LAG allocations, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard
Lochhead said:

"This £5 million will empower rural communities to take action to
revitalise and revive remote areas, in line with the Scottish
Government's commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth.

"By enabling funding decisions to be taken at a local level, we can
ensure a wide variety of high-quality projects that meet local needs.
This can range from improving recycling facilities and introducing
renewable energy schemes to upgrading village halls and setting up
community websites."

LEADER is open to private, public, and third sector organisations and
can provide funding of up to 50% towards the cost of community-led
projects that boost rural development.

Although priorities and criteria will be set at local level by the
relevant LAG, all programmes will aim to tackle a number of the
overall LEADER themes:

- Revitalising communities
- Rural community capacity building
- New markets and products
- Progressive rural economy
- Conservation of the natural environment

For more details on the LEADER programme and a list of contact details
for LAGs, visit:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Rural/SRDP/LEADER