Aberdeenshire Local Action Groups celebrate success

The North and South Aberdeenshire Local Action Groups and the North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group have been marking the successful completion of the 2014-2020 Community Led Local Development Programmes. 

To celebrate the achievements of the Local Action Groups and the impact of the programmes, a series of short films have been commissioned. Covering a diverse range of projects - from parks to paddleboarding, eco-breaks to a Men's Shed - you can watch the films here.

Between the North Aberdeenshire LEADER programme, the North East Scotland Fisheries Programme (NESFLAG) and the South Aberdeenshire LEADER programme, over £6.7m has been invested in almost 100 projects throughout Aberdeenshire and coastal Angus. 

LEADER funding was provided from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Scottish Government, whilst NESFLAG was funded through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Supported projects contributed to key themes identified in Local Development Strategies such as connectivity, business competitiveness, the environment and people and place.

Cllr Peter Argyle, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “LEADER has been a truly innovative rural development programme which has always aimed to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity across Aberdeenshire. A key aspect of the programme was its capacity to consider new innovative solutions - be it through provision of rural community services, flexible training and development programmes or environmental enhancement - and it has delivered on those fronts time after time.

“We have acted as lead partner and accountable body for the duration of these programmes, and the positive outcomes highlight what great things can be achieved across our communities and throughout local economies through partnership working with the Local Action Groups.”

Chair of North Aberdeenshire Local Action Group, Duncan Leece, added: “It is important to pause at the end of this period and reflect on all of the hard work and achievements of the businesses, charities and community groups that have driven these projects to produce some truly remarkable results.”