Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release
3rd March 2009
Rural Development Programme Open For Applications
The LEADER Innse Gall programme is open for enquiries and applications from today. LEADER is part of the SRDP (Scottish Rural Development Programme) allocation and is a bottom up method of delivering support for rural development. Support is primarily aimed at small-scale, community-driven projects that are pilot and innovative in nature. Vitally the benefits and participation of the local community in the project is fundamental to the LEADER ethos.
Funding is awarded by the LEADER Innse Gall Local Action Group (LAG) who take decisions on projects that assist in increasing the capacity of the local rural community and business networks by building knowledge and skills, and encouraging innovation and co-operation to tackle local development priorities.
Cllr Archie Campbell, Chair of the LEADER Innse Gall Local Action group, said: “The LEADER Innse Gall programme will strive to create sustainable economic activities that will generate demand and open opportunities to attract and retain the population. Innovative and ambitious projects will be encouraged, especially those that stimulate the creation of new jobs and the growth of the resident working age. Particular areas such as renewable energy and remote telecommunications, where the Outer Hebrides have a specific natural advantage, will be assisted and in sectors where it has a unique selling point such as Harris Tweed, the Gaelic language and culture. “
LEADER Innse Gall will accept applications from the following groups provided that the project’s main aim is to benefit the Outer Hebrides rural community through demonstrating economic, environmental, social and sustainable development:
Properly Constituted Organisations
Social Enterprises
Micro or Small businesses
Voluntary Organisations
Public Sector Bodies
Private individuals, business partnerships and capital companies where sponsored financially by public bodies, clubs and societies thus ensuring a wider community benefit rather than a pure economic benefit.
In comparison to the previous LEADER+ programme LEADER Innse Gall has identified target groups and the submission of applications for projects focussing on these groups will be prioritised. This is because the LAG aims to reduce out-migration, provide better support networks, facilities, amenities and activities for the following key groups:
- Young People (up to 34 years of age)
- Women
- Elderly (over 65 years of age)
For further information please contact:
Kathlene MacDonald
Outer Hebrides LEADER Co-ordinator
c/o Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Chief Executive’s Dept
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW
Tel: +44 (0)1851 709418
Fax: +44 (0)1851 706022
Email: kathlene.macdonald@cne-siar.gov.uk
Website: http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/cxdir/externalstrategy/leader.asp
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Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
