Have your say - chance for rural communities to influence new EU funding
Tuesday, October 9 2007
The Scottish Government has invited rural areas in Scotland to bid for a share of £41 million for the development of a new LEADER programme.
LEADER is a European Union (EU) funded programme for helping rural areas to develop projects that improve quality of life and economic prosperity.
The Scottish Borders has benefited from LEADER funding since 1996. The current LEADER+ programme has supported 84 local projects, with a total spend of £5.5 million, under the theme Making Best Use of Natural and Cultural Resources. This programme, managed by the Scottish Borders LEADER+ Local Action Group - a partnership of 24 local agencies and organisations - closed to applications in December.
The new LEADER initiative puts particular emphasis on supporting innovation, co-operation, community involvement and sustainable rural development. A new Local Action Group is being formed for the Scottish Borders, representing community, farming, business, conservation, access, tourism, economic development and youth interests.
The EU and the Scottish Government have issued guidance for the development of local Programmes. The Local Action Group has developed some ideas on how LEADER funding should be used, but would like to hear the views of local communities.
Drop in meetings will take place at the following locations (all from 6pm-8pm):
- Thursday 18 October, Jedburgh Town Hall, Abbey Place, Jedburgh,
- Monday 22 October, Duns Council Chamber, Newtown Street, Duns,
- Tuesday 23 October, Peebles Council Chamber, Rosetta Road, Peebles
An online questionnaire can be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/newleader
Unified Solutions.