scottish borders leader encouraging innovation in rural areas the leader 2007 – 2013 programme sam...

Scottish Borders LEADEREncouraging innovation in rural areas

The LEADER 2007 – 2013 Programme

Sam Smith Rural Development Officer

February 2010


LEADER 2007 – 2013 programme

• Part of the new “Scotland Rural Development Programme” (£38.5m)

• Aimed at promoting economic development within rural areas though innovative, community-led projects

• LEADER funding is managed at a local level by a “Local Action Group” (LAG) - a partnership of public, private and voluntary sector organisations

• Scotland is divided into 20 LEADER regions, each of which has its own LAG

• Scottish Borders budget £2.42M


Guiding principles of LEADER

• Innovation (something new)

• Community involvement

• Equal Opportunities (including everyone)

• Sustainability (leaving a positive change with the economic, social or environmental situation)

• Transferability (how can others learn from the project?)

The main concept behind the LEADER approach is that, given the diversity of European rural areas, development is more effective if ledby people living and working in the local area.


• Each LEADER project proposal must show how it relates to these activities to help achieve the aims of the LEADER Programme.

• Definitions and examples of eligible projects are available in the LEADER Information Note and on website.

Two themes: ‘Progressive Rural Economy’ and ‘Revitalised Rural Communities’

Six priority areas:Diverse and sustainable rural businesses

Inclusive rural economyDistinctive local products

Enhanced natural, built and cultural environmentCohesive and sustainable rural communities

Innovative and integrated community services


• Who can apply?– Constituted community groups– Public organisations and agencies– Partnerships, trusts and other non-governmental organisations– Social enterprises– Collaborative business groupings

• What?– capital/ revenue/ grant schemes/ feasibility studies

• Grant rates and ££ available – 50% (70% for inter-regional/ transnational projects)– Maximum grant £125,000


What does success look like?

Scottish Borders Ancestral Tourism Forum Development:

Two year project to develop and join up ancestral tourism facilities and businesses across the Scottish Borders - Grant awarded £93,500.


Borders Woodfuel & Renewable Energy Project –

Development of a rural based group, part of the Borders Machinery Ring cooperative, to provide woodfuel for local biomass energy uses

both domestic and business - Grant awarded £64,500.


Tweed Valley Tourism Consortium – Working Together:

Appointment of Project Manager to take forward key elements of the Tweed Valley Forest Park Strategy - Grant awarded £60,000.


Stable Life (GYP Borders): Borders wide project to offer referred young people a programme of Horse Therapy sessions, designed to build confidence and result in positive and sustained attitude change - Grant awarded £60,000.


Creative Arts Business Network (CABN): One year pilot study to develop a network for creative/ arts businesses, with dedicated development officer at Heart of Hawick - Grant awarded £34,136.


Music Shak: Music training and mentoring for young people in a music café environment - Grant awarded £7,140


Eyemouth Harbour Pontoon & Shore Diver Access: New dive tourism facilities - Grant awarded £54,859.


Progress to date

• LEADER Programme launched in May 2008

• Six funding round so far

• 23 projects approved

• £994k LEADER funding allocated to projects

• Next application deadlines (decision 6 weeks later)

– 25 March 2010

– 24 June 2010

– 2 December 2010


Other funds…• ‘Food Processing, Marketing & Cooperation Grant Scheme’• Forestry Commission Challenge Funds• South of Scotland Loan Scheme • VisitScotland Growth Fund • European Fisheries Fund (EFF)• EU Structural Funds (LUPS) • BIG Lottery programmes • Charitable Trusts• Common Good Funds• SBC Community Grant Scheme• SBC Landfill Communities Fund


Sources of support • LEADER Coordinator • Business Gateway • Rural Direct • The Bridge/Berwickshire Association of Voluntary Services • SBC Grants Coordinator • SBC Lottery Officer


Need more information?• Email enquiries:

[email protected]

• Web information:

www.scotborders.gov.uk/ruralfunding

www.scottishbordersleader.co.uk

scottish borders leader encouraging innovation in rural areas the leader 2007 – 2013 programme sam...

Documents