£2.5m funding secured for Orkney LEADER programme

Orkney has been allocated over £2.5million of funding to deliver the Orkney LEADER programme until 2020.

The LEADER programme is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme, funded by the Scottish Government and European Community.

The programme will be used to develop small-scale, community driven, innovative projects which will support both the local economy and Orkney communities.

The Orkney Islands LEADER Local Action Group, which will administer the funding, has developed the strategy for the new programme in consultation with the local communities.

There are three main LEADER themes that the strategy sets out as priorities:

• Support for Orkney’s tourism, cultural heritage, crafts, food and drink sectors.
• Support for Orkney’s community services and facilities.
• Support for Orkney’s natural environment and development of sustainable energy.

Although the programme is not open for applications at this stage, groups are invited to enquire about project ideas that have linkages with the above core themes.

In addition, the 2014-2020 LEADER programme will also deliver support for farm diversification and small business growth.This scheme is still under development with the Scottish Government and additional information will be provided when available.

The allocation follows the successful implementation of the 2007 to 2013 LEADER Programme which invested almost £2.1million in 75 projects. The LEADER investment was matched with public and private funding, resulting in a total investment of over £5.3million spread across the isles and mainland communities.

Previous projects included a new Heritage Centre in Sanday, a development officer for the craft, food and drink sectors, upgrades to community halls and a number of path developments and improvements, among many others.

Councillor James Stockan, chairman of the OIC’s development and infrastructure committee said: “The 2007 to 2013 LEADER programme had an enormously positive effect on our local communities. The programme funded vital projects, created jobs and attracted additional external funding.

“The effects are evident today, whether that be at the play area in Stromness or in the strengthening of a vital economic sector like Orkney’s food and drink industry.”

He added: “This new programme has the potential to bring more excellent projects forward and I hope that our community groups and organisations  take this opportunity to apply for funding.”

For more information visit http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/LEADER.

To discuss project ideas, contact the LEADER team at Orkney Islands Council on 873535 ext 2811.

According to the OIC, the LEADER Programme will be open for applications later this year.