WELCOME to the Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Website
Newsflash (1 of 5)
July 2010: Broadband Funding Opportunity for Communities in Rural Aberdeenshire
Groups in rural Aberdeenshire can now apply for funding to improve broadband in their local area and invest in new communications technology.
The Scottish Government has announced funding of more than £800,000 to enhance Broadband provision across rural Scotland through the Rural Broadband Challenge Fund.
Rural groups, community organisations and business partnerships will be able to apply for a share of the Challenge Fund by submitting an application to the Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Programme.
Applications to the Rural Broadband Challenge Fund in Aberdeenshire will use the Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Application Form & Guidance, which can be accessed by clicking here.
The deadline for submitting Broadband application in Aberdeenshire is Friday 27 August 2010. Scottish Government will appoint a panel in October 2010 to assess bids from across Scotland with outcomes being confirmed thereafter.
For further details on the LEADER Broadband Challenge Fund in Aberdeenshire, please see attached Press Release and Broadband Guidance for Applicants.
Broadband Guidance for Applicants
Newsflash (2 of 5)
July 2010: Renewed Energy for Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Projects
The European and Scottish Government funded LEADER programme has completed two highly successful years in Aberdeenshire.
Since the programme’s launch in June 2008 more than £2.5m has been committed to fund 80 rural projects throughout the north-east of Scotland.
The most recent awards under Aberdeenshire LEADER funding Round 8 were made in June. The LAG met at the recently completed community facility building at Rothienorman Bowling Club, the construction of which was supported by the Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Programme.
Rural Aberdeenshire Local Action Group Members
Prior to the LAG meeting, Ian Lonsdale of Rothienorman Bowling Club Committee gave an interesting presentation on the project development from start to completion. LAG members were then invited to view the facilities which will be available for community use.
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Ian Lonsdale and RBC Committee Members James Knowles, Vicky Thomson
and RBC Committee Members
To read details of approved projects, please click here.
To read the press release about Round 8 approvals, please click here.
Newsflash (3 of 5)
June 2010: Garioch Spring LEADER Event
LEADER Community Seminar
Carriages Hotel, Insch, Friday 11 June 2010
The Seminar was held to explore the potential for rural development funding available to rural communities, groups and organisations.
The seminar was well attended and delegates heard direct from LEADER participants about their projects.
Dennis Helliwell, Insch Institute Bowling Club, gave a fascinating presentation on the development of a project from initial concept to submission of multi-agency funding applications.
Sheila Stuart, Royal Northern Countryside Initiative, explained the role of the organisation in increasing countryside awareness through education and provided feedback on the highly successful Countryside Estate Day held at Ballogie on 10 June 2010.
Hebbie Fowlie, Strichen Community Park Company, informed delegates of the group's recent success, not only through LEADER Fuding but through Heritage Lottery funding, towards a Community Cafe which will be established within the Park.
Richie Miller, Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Trust, explained about the environmental enhancement and protection work that is being undertaken in the river catchments and also about initiatives to promote tourism in the Deveron area.
Newsflash (4 of 5)
December 2009: Amendments to LEADER grant rates announced
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary has confirmed that maximum grant rates for new LEADER projects will increase from up to 50% to up to 90% from 1st January 2010 for a one year trial period. The rate awarded to projects will be at the discretion of the LAG. This new discretionary rate does not apply to existing projects, but relates to awards made to new LEADER projects which are approved during 2010. For details on how the new grant rates will be applied in Rural Aberdeenshire, click here.
Newsflash (5 of 5)
October 2009: Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Local Action Group Annual Report 2008/2009
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RURAL ABERDEENSHIRE LEADER
LOCAL ACTION GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2008/2009
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You can download a copy of the report by clicking here.
LEADER is an innovative rural development funding programme for Communities and Groups in Rural Aberdeenshire.
LEADER is being delivered by the Rural Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (LAG) from July 2008 to 2013.
In the first year's operation of the programme to 30 June 2009, the LAG has committed a total of £1.36 million towards 46 approved projects. For details on approved projects click here.
Match funding for LEADER projects comes from a wide range of sources. For details of match funding in projects approved to date, please click here.
The Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Programme is enabling participants to develop projects that strengthen the social, economic and environmental fabric of Aberdeenshire's rural communities.
The programme is open to a wide range of groups, collaborations and partnerships within the programme area.
The website is updated regularly.
For details of News Articles and Events, click here.
For approved LAG Minutes click here.
Details of LEADER, the application process and scheme guidance are found on this website.
For advice on eligibility or those considering submitting an application for LEADER funds please contact the LEADER Co-ordinator or Administrator. The LEADER team are here to help and look forward to discussing your ideas with you and your group.
