Funding

If you have a project idea and would like to apply for a decision on funding to the Dumfries & Galloway LEADER March 2017 LAG meeting, you must submit your Expression of Interest.  

The deadline for applications is mid-day on the following dates:
Communities:  7 December 2016
Rural Enterprise/Farm Diversification:  7 December 2016
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund:  4 December 2016

Each June an Annual Implementation Report (AIR) on the Scottish Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 is submitted to the European Commission.

The first report was submitted in June 2016 and covered the calendar years 2014 and 2015. To accompany the AIR, an overview of the main findings was produced - Summary for Citizens. 

North Aberdeenshire LEADER have awarded a grant to a new glamping venture, which is hoped will boost tourism in the area.

A grant of up to £33,548.62 has been awarded to the Buchan Development Initiative to help install a new glamping area in the Aden Caravan and Camping Park. 

Dumfries and Galloway LEADER have launched a new website making it easier for applicants, and potential applicants, to find all the information they need.

The new site includes information about the LEADER programme, projects that have been awarded funding and a step-by-step guide to the application process. 

Nicola Hill, LEADER Programme Manager said:

Scottish Rural Network Development Officer Don Morrison reports on the recent development day for Moray LEADER Local Action Group.

The Scottish Rural Network (SRN) recently assisted the facilitation of a development day for the members of the Moray LEADER Local Action Group. 

The main objectives of the day were to:

• Build the knowledge and confidence of the LAG to implement the Local Development Strategy effectively

• Share good practice on how LEADER is delivered in other areas

Lorraine Macrae from the Scottish Rural Network Support Unit reports on the West Lothian LEADER Farm Diversification and Rural Enterprise Event.

Robert Arkley, owner of the highly successful Kingsfield Golf course and Driving Range in Linlithgow, welcomed over 50 people to an event hosted by West Lothian LEADER on 26 September 2016.

Rural enterprise projects across the UK can apply for funding from the Prince's Countryside Fund.

The charity aims to improve the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of life in rural areas. It has announced a grant funding pot of over £600,000 to suport rural initiatives.

Three projects have been awarded funding from the South Aberdeenshire LEADER programme.

In the programme's first funding rounds, the South Aberdeenshire LEADER Local Action Group has awarded £225,475 to the following projects:

• Strathorn Riding School Development
• Finzean Farm Shop Development
• Ringlink Internship Programme

South Aberdeenshire LAG Chair Liam Smyth from Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said: