The LEADER Programme

Grant applications are being accepted for the Scottish Borders LEADER grant programme. The deadline for the first round of applications has passed. The next deadline is 24 October 2008.

What is “LEADER”?

LEADER is a European Union and Scottish Government funded programme which supports innovative and sustainable local rural development projects.

Who can apply?

The Local Action Group is keen that the LEADER Programme is as accessible as possible to organisations, businesses, community groups and the wider public.

Applications for financial assistance will be accepted from:

Constituted community groups
Public organisations and agencies
Partnerships, trusts and other non-governmental organisations
Social enterprises
Collaborative business/ community networks (constituted groups).

Although individual businesses and individuals can not apply directly to the Programme, they should discuss other routes to support with the LEADER Coordinator. The majority of support to the private sector will be through schemes operated by intermediaries such as Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council.

How much is available?

Up to 50% of a project’s cost is available from LEADER. The ‘match funding’ (the other funding which will support your project) should be in place before you apply to LEADER. It must also come from a non European Union source.

What type of projects does LEADER fund?

LEADER projects must be innovative and test a new idea or approach to rural development in the Scottish Borders. Priority is also given to projects that benefit young people, women, small businesses and people who are isolated or live in more remote rural areas in the Borders.

What type of activities are eligible?

LEADER can fund many activities include training, events, feasibility studies, facilitators, networking, marketing, creation of rural business hubs and adoption of new technologies. The types of project that can be supported include new tourism projects, cultural events, training courses, businesses services, new rural community services, youth projects and many others. More detail is available in the Information Note.

Projects can take place within the Scottish Borders or with other UK and European rural areas. Please note that projects in Hawick and Galashiels are not eligible for LEADER funding unless the project will result in significant benefits for the surrounding rural area.

Who manages the LEADER programme in the Borders?

The LEADER programme is managed by a “Local Action Group” (LAG). Each LEADER region has a LAG which consists of local partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The Scottish Borders LAG has two groups. ‘A Working Countryside’ (AWC) Theme Team of the New Ways Community Planning Partnership monitors the LEADER Programme progress. A sub-group of 15 AWC partners form the LEADER Programme Decision Making Group (DMG). This group makes the day-to-day decisions affecting LEADER in the Scottish Borders. Its main functions are reviewing and scoring applications and supervising general progress of projects.

When can we apply?

You can apply for LEADER funding now. The next deadline for applications is Friday 24 October 2008. Funding rounds will continue to take place quarterly until the LEADER programme funding is fully allocated. It is important that you speak with the LEADER Coordinator once you have a project idea, and before you submit an application.

How does the application procedure work?

Please read the Information Note to make sure that your project is eligible for funding. You will also need to show that your project contributes to the LEADER ‘themes’. The LEADER ‘themes’ are listed in the Information Note.
Once you have read the Information Note contact the LEADER Coordinator to discuss your project idea. She will arrange a meeting with you and/ or send you the application forms and guidance. The LEADER Coordinator is available to help you develop your project proposal and is your LEADER contact throughout the project.
Once you have submitted the application form, the LEADER Coordinator will email it to the Decision Making Group members for initial feedback.
The Decision Making Group may ask more questions or suggest some improvements to the project. The LEADER Coordinator will contact you to discuss these in further detail. You may need to submit a revised application based on this feedback. The aim of this process is to strengthen your application prior to the quarterly meeting of the DMG where they score the applications.
Finally the application is scored by the Decision Making Group. At the meeting the Decision Making Group will either approve, reject or defer approval until further information has been provided. The LEADER Coordinator will keep you informed of your application’s progress.

For further information and application forms

Please contact the LEADER Coordinator, c/o Scottish Borders Council, Planning and Economic Development, Council Headquarters, Newtown St. Boswells, TD6 0SA. Tel: 01835 826661 or email.

A list of projects funded by the previous LEADER Programme (called Leader+) can be accessed.

Information on other funding bodies is also available.

Scottish Government funding

Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities is a key feature of the new Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). The aim of this new grant fund is to deliver targeted environmental, social and economic benefits to Scotland. Projects eligible for Rural Priorities are not normally considered eligible for LEADER support. This includes sports, leisure and recreational facilities, unless these are linked to wider tourism benefits. Village hall renovation projects are also not normally considered eligible for LEADER support. More information is available about Rural Development Contracts.