Funding

The Beef Efficiency Scheme is currently open for applications.

This five-year programme is open to farmers and crofters to help improve the efficiency and genetic value of Scotland’s suckler beef herd. 

The window for applications has now been extended until 15 June 2016. The deadline was originally Tuesday 31 May 2016.

The Beef Efficiency Scheme is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme.

News from Ayrshire LEADER

The Ayrshire LEADER Local Action Group is supporting a range of Summer 2016 community events and gala days in 14 rural communities across South Ayrshire including Coylton, Dundonald, Annbank, Maybole, Girvan and Ballantrae.

News from Scottish Borders LEADER

Scottish Borders LEADER is now ready to receive applications for LEADER programme funding.

Rather than having one big launch event, we are holding a series of targeted meetings directed at specific rural areas and sectors in the Scottish Borders.

The deadline for submitting Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) applications has been extended to Monday April 25 2016.

The original application deadline was close of play today (Wednesday April 20 2016). However, during the weekend some people may have experienced technical issues whilst reviewing the Schedule of Works or uploading supporting documents. These issues have now been resolved.

Small to medium-sized charities and community groups are being urged to apply to a fund to tackle social isolation and loneliness.

Applications can now be made to the Scottish Government's £500,000 Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund, which is being managed by Voluntary Action Fund.

The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is not prescriptive about what can be funded and will support different types of interventions to tackle social isolation including the continuation or expansion of existing activity as well as new activity.

Update: 2 September 2016 - Tesco Bags for Help grant scheme is now open for applications permanently.

The second round of Tesco Bags of Help is open from 18 April so get your application going.

Bags of Help is available to a wide range of community groups, local authorities and organisations across England, Wales and Scotland and they can apply for grants to improve local green spaces.

Grants from the Post Office are now available to help eligible community post offices bring wider benefits to their communities.

If you have creative ideas that could support your community shop and post office to grow, and to bring greater benefits to Post Office customers, you could be eligible for a grant to put your ideas into action from the Post Office Community Branch Fund. 

The rural charity RSABI is inviting teams to take part in this year's Great Glen Challenge.

The annual multi-sports team building event raises vital funds to help RSABI continue its work to alleviate hardship among Scotland's land-based workforce.

Dumfries & Galloway LEADER Project Officer (Temporary)

• Dumfries with a region-wide remit
• Salary: £20,535 - £22,056

Dumfries & Galloway LEADER is seeking a confident, out-going individual to support the local business sector in the development of projects which will ensure we maximise the benefit of this new tranche of funding for Dumfries & Galloway.

Successful candidates will bring knowledge of the business and enterprise sector and a keen understanding of the economic context in which rural businesses currently operate.