LEADER funding boost for South Aberdeenshire projects

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:

"It is great to see that South Aberdeenshire Local Action Groups investment has managed to secure the investment in these projects that will represent project investment of over £450,000 in rural Aberdeenshire.

"This investment will also deliver new employment and apprenticeship opportunities and enable communities to attract discretionary spend from the wider community and tourism into their area."

European Union Programmes Co-ordinator Alasdair Cunningham, said:

"The two funding rounds held to date has generated a lot of interest from the rural business sector. It's great to see modern rural businesses striving to improve and enhance the provision of services and facilities to our local rural communities and beyond.

"New proposals for Round 3 and 4 are currently being worked on and a number of innovative projects are coming forward. The application deadline for Round 4 is 28 October 2016."

South Aberdeenshire Local Action Group are looking for projects that help them to deliver their Local Development Strategy and must meet at least one of the following themes:

1. Connecting People and Place
2. Developing Key Economic Sectors
3. Promoting and Protecting the Environment
4. Enriching and Positive Activities for All
5. Co-Operating with other Countries and Areas

Further details of the strategy can be found on the South Aberdeenshire LEADER website. 

If you have an idea for a LEADER project you can contact South Aberdeenshire LEADER by emailing salag@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or calling 01467 628 262.

You can also submit an Expression of Interest form on our website.

You can find out more about six inspiring projects funded by the 2007-13 LEADER programme in this short film.