Scottish Government to fund rural projects to 90%

Small businesses, renewable energy projects, community gardens and festivals – funded through the LEADER programme. The Scottish Government has anounced that it intends to fund up to 90% of the cost of selected projects in rural communities.

LEADER previously provided up to a maximum of 50% of funding for rural projects, with the rest having to be found elsewhere.

The change in support coincides with new figures showing that life in rural Scotland is thriving. People have longer life expectancy, higher employment and a greater sense of safety in their neighbourhoods than those living in urban areas.

The next funding meeting of the Local Action Group is on 11th December 2009 – and the deadline for applicaitons is 30th October 2009.

Argyll’s MSP and Enterprise Minister, Jim Mather, says: ‘It is recognised by this Government that a thriving future for rural Scotland is vital to the social and economic fabric of the whole country. Grassroots community development will help deliver sustainable economic growth in every corner of Scotland.

‘Government funding is available for local projects but in the current economic climate communities have found it difficult to find other sources of funding.

‘Argyll and Bute was represented at the first-ever Rural Gathering by Here We Are from Cairndow, which was hailed as an innovative community empowerment project.

‘I join my colleague, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead who at the Gathering stated that the 90% increase in funding for LEADER will provide extra help for small rural businesses and for jobs.

‘I congratulate those recently successful projects awarded funds by the LEADER Argyll and the Islands Local Action Group. These included:

• Campbeltown Town Centre Regeneration Group, £22,900
• Dunoon Burgh Hall Development, £35,000
• Colintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust, £19,650
• An Tobar –developing for the future £8,500
• Argyll and Bute Social Economy Partnership £38,450
• The Dalriada Project £3,360
• Benmore & Kilmun Community Development Trust, Blairmore-Gairletter Path Link £3,000
• Sandbank Community Development Trust – Bird Viewing Hide – Holy Loch, £11,540
• Lochgoil Community Council, Ardentinny Path, £9,375.’