Launch of Dumfries & Galloway LEADER Rural Awards 2019

A picture of the rural award trophies
Hannah Downey
Thursday 27 June 2019 - 09:12

The Dumfries & Galloway LEADER team is delighted to announce the recent launch of the Dumfries & Galloway LEADER Rural Awards 2019.  These awards aim to recognise and celebrate the achievements of projects in the 2014 - 2020 LEADER Programme as well as local projects funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

Project teams are invited to submit their entries by 22nd July if they want to be in with a chance of being shortlisted in one of the five award categories; Rural Entrepreneurship Award, Natural Environment Award, Rural Resilience Award, Coastal and Fisheries Community Award and Inclusive Communities Award. Three finalists will be chosen in each category and the shortlist will be publicised in August.

Given the significant impact of LEADER funding in rural communities, two additional awards have also been introduced for 2019; the Legacy Award and the Shining Light Award. These awards will formally recognise the long-term success of LEADER funded projects and communities and acknowledge the outstanding contribution of individuals within these communities. Members of the Local Action Group have been invited to put forward nominations for these two special awards.

The winners will be announced at the Dumfries & Galloway LEADER Rural Awards event which will take place at GG’s Yard, a rural venue of excellence, near Gatehouse of Fleet on Thursday 5th December 2019. 

Nicola Hill, Dumfries& Galloway LEADER Programme Manager said: “These awards offer a fantastic opportunity to reflect and celebrate achievements and to showcase the many organisations, projects and people who make a real difference in every corner of Dumfries & Galloway. With so many incredible projects and organisations, the judges are going to have a tough job selecting a winner in each of the award categories.”

Projects and organisations can download an entry form from www.dgleader.co.uk and are reminded to submit their entries by the 22nd July 2019. Applicants can submit one additional A4 page of information to support their application and should email it with their completed entry form to dgleaderteam@dumgal.gov.uk.