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Links to sections in this page - Launch of LEADER Programme

October 2008 - Round 1 and 1A Projects Approved

Having launched the LEADER programme in Rural Aberdeenshire at the end of June, the Local Action Group met recently to consider the first round of applications.

Commenting on progress to date, LAG Chairman, James Knowles, said:

“It is clear there has been strong interest in LEADER from rural groups throughout Aberdeenshire and it is particularly pleasing to see such a good range of well prepared applications forward in Round 1.

“The applications also demonstrate a good mix of public/private partnership in the projects as well as demonstrable support towards the projects from a wide range of match funders.”

A total of eight applications have been approved with LEADER funding of £167,219 towards total project costs of £949,587.

One of the first projects to be approved in Rural Aberdeenshire is an innovative project from BIRSE Community Trust. LEADER funding of £20,800 will contribute towards the purchase and management of Balfour Woods in South Deeside. The Trust developed the proposal and was successful in gaining approval through the National Forest Land Scheme to purchase Balfour Woods from the Forestry Commission.

Timber from the woods will be used in an exciting biomass heating project which will serve the community buildings and local Finzean Primary School. This community regeneration project will contribute to the social and economic sustainability of the BIRSE Community which have fully supported the proposals for the woodland management and biomass project.

On the east coast of Aberdeenshire, Collieston and Slains Community Trust (CASCT) has been awarded LEADER funds of £43,145 to undertake full business proposal and feasibility for a significant development of a new community centre. CASCT has fully researched their proposals through undertaking detailed community consultation in the preliminary stages.

The LEADER project will help CASCT to progress towards a Big Lottery application while enabling the group to identify development costs and the running of the Centre thus further validating CASCT’s Business Plan. Other contributors to the LEADER Project include Big Lottery Investing in Ideas Fund and the Aberdeenshire Community Asset Fund.

Other projects approved in Round 1 and Round 1A in Rural Aberdeenshire include:

a Forest Environment Education Initiative which will target young people and the under-employed,
a Lifeskills, Health and Wellbeing Community Project which will assist young people to adopt a proactive approach to self-development during their education years,
development of a community asset through revitalising a small north-east fishing harbour to become a haven for small craft servicing local needs,
further development of an Environmental Tourism Project which has not only been a very popular visitor centre in Aberdeenshire, but is also a valuable educational asset for environmental awareness.

a community tourism marketing project in the Banffshire Coastal area, and
a community photographic competition which will develop into an innovative micro-business through sales of prints etc.

There is currently strong interest to develop applications for Round 2 which will be assessed before the end of the calendar year.

June 2008 - Launch of LEADER Programme

The launch of the Rural Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (LAG) LEADER Programme took place at Lochter Activity Centre near Oldmeldrum on Friday, 27 June 2008.

LEADER is an innovative rural development programme which aims to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in Aberdeenshire.

The programme was made possible due to the securing of £3.24 million from the European LEADER fund.

LEADER is an integral element within the Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. It is funded by the Scottish Government and European Commission, with matched funding from public bodies and the project groups.

In Aberdeenshire, LEADER will be delivered by the Rural Aberdeenshire LAG to rural areas and communities with populations of less than 5,000. The funds are aimed at stimulating the rural economy and building capacity in communities and business networks.

The Launch featured presentations from Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Service Committee Chairman, Peter Argyle and the Council's Head of Economic Development and LAG Chairman, James Knowles.

Councillor Peter Argyle and James Knowles

James Knowles welcomed more than thirty invited guests and members of the Rural Aberdeenshire LAG to the Launch of the LEADER Programme, saying:

“The LAG has to be complimented for successfully launching the LEADER programme in Rural Aberdeenshire. The strength of partnership approach developed by the LAG clearly demonstrates the support towards delivering LEADER throughout our rural communities.”

The welcome address was given by Councillor Peter Argyle who said: “Development of rural communities is core to the Council’s Strategic Priorities which have been developed around the five Community Planning themes of Community Wellbeing, Jobs and the Economy, Lifelong Learning, Sustainable Environment and Developing our Partnerships.

“The Council has adopted a proactive stance towards rural communities and industries. The progression of the Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, including LEADER, from its earliest proposals to fruition, was keenly observed and discussed through the Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee during the development and consultation process.

“I understand the two main themes the Rural Aberdeenshire LAG’s Strategy will focus on are Revitalising Communities and Progressive Rural Economy. Again, this fits very comfortably with the Council’s Economic Development priorities.

Vicky Thomson, LEADER Co-ordinator

“One of the most appealing aspects of LEADER is it’s capacity to consider new innovative solutions, be it through provision of rural community services, flexible training and development programmes or environmental enhancement. I feel this presents a great opportunity for participants to develop initiatives that are relevant and specific to their community’s needs and aspirations.

“Another area where I view the potential benefit of LEADER is that as many rural businesses are small, often isolated with limited access to other services and customers, there is capacity within LEADER for these businesses to work more closely together through perhaps sharing resources, or developing collaborative actions.

“This leads me to believe that LEADER is very diverse in what it can actually deliver.”

Vicky Thomson, LEADER Co-ordinator, then gave a demonstration of the new LEADER website (www.aberdeenshireleader.org) which went live on the Launch day. The website features guidance on making application for LEADER funding and includes details of application submission dates and application forms.

James Knowles also welcomed Anne MacLennan, recently appointed as LEADER Administrator.

The LEADER office is based at Gordon House, Inverurie. Potential applicants are asked to contact Vicky Thomson, LEADER Co-ordinator, on 01467 628383 or e-mail vicky.thomson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, before they consider making application.

From left to right: LEADER Administrator, Anne MacLennan,

Aberdeenshire Council’s Assistant Accountant, Liz Gordon and

Scottish Women’s Rural Institute Vice-Chair, Moira Gordon