Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER launches

The new Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER programme launched on Friday 29 January, with £2.78 million of funding to be invested in rural communities across the region.

The event took place at the Callander Youth Project, which was voted Scotland’s top youth project in 2015. Peter Sunderland, Local Action Group Chair, highlighted examples of good practice, including one which inspired a participant to become an international expert on project continuity. 

Celia Burn, Chair of the Community Partnership at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, hosted an interview with Programme Coordinator, Anne-Michelle Ketteridge, on how communities can become more empowered and how to apply for LEADER funding.

Local MSP Bruce Crawford lauded the diverse range of projects which have benefitted local businesses and communities throughout the 25 years that LEADER has been operating. 

Project managers discussed the difficulties they overcame to develop successful and inclusive projects to benefit their local communities. These included youth projects such as Camphill Blairdrummond and Callander Community Hydro Ltd.

Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER are looking for realistic and passionate projects. For more information download the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Local Development Strategy, the FVL LEADER Facebook page or email info@fvl.org.uk.

If you have an idea for a LEADER project you can complete an Expression of Interest form.