Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013 : LEADER
The Scottish Executive has recently submitted the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007 - 2013 to the European Commission for consideration and approval. The SRDP is designed to deliver for Scotland five key outcomes of : improving business viability, enhancing biodiversity and landscape, improving water quality, tackling climate change and supporting thriving rural communities.
In this context the Scottish Executive has issued a call to rural development partners in the public, private and third sectors throughout Scotland to establish LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs) and bid for a share of the £41m budget available over the next seven years, to fund a range of activities in rural communities
LEADER has previously been a stand alone European Programme but from 2007 will be mainstreamed and integrated into the SRDP, providing a locally-based approach to development, delivering community benefit.
The previous LEADER+ Programme (2000 -2006) was delivered in the Argyll, the Islands and Lochaber Area through the Local Action Group known as WHELK. Under the new Programme, area boundaries have been redrawn and the prospective boundary covered by the new LAG will follow Argyll and Bute Council boundaries.
The new Local Action Group which will be titled Argyll and Bute LEADER LAG is now in the process of being developed and will require to submit an initial expression of interest to the Scottish Executive by 22nd August that should include, amongst other things, details of partnership members.
Argyll and Bute LEADER is keen to ensure that the community / third sector is fully represented, and although facing a very tight timescale, are consulting, over the next few weeks, with the voluntary sector, community development trusts and community organisations, on representation to the Local Action Group.
Organisations who have not yet been contacted and are interested in the LEADER process and contributing to the Local Development Strategy for the Argyll and Bute area are encouraged to contact Ian Downie, Argyll and Bute Council Area Offices, Mountpleasant Road, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, PA20 9HQ. e-mail ian.downie@argyll-bute.gov.uk - tel 01700 502252
Following the initial bid to the Scottish Executive, a Local Development Strategy and Business Plan for Argyll and Bute LEADER will require to be submitted by the 31st October and successful LAGs will be awarded LEADER funding in January 2008.
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