Drop-in for advice on community funded projects

Orkney Islands Council is hosting a drop-in session in Stromness next week for groups looking for LEADER financial assistance with community projects.

The session, says the OIC, will be an opportunity for interested parties to discuss project ideas and get advice from the OIC LEADER team. Currently, the programme is open for individuals or groups to submit an expression of interest form.

The LEADER programme is aimed at small scale, community driven and innovative projects that support both the local economy and Orkney communities.

Projects that show support for Orkney’s tourism, cultural heritage, crafts, food and drink sectors will be considered. In addition, those that support community services and facilities, the natural environment and the development of sustainable energy will likely be suitable to progress to the full application stage.

Amy Esslemont, the OIC’s development officer for LEADER, said: “The drop-in session is to give individuals and community groups an opportunity to find out if their project ideas will be suitable for the funding.

“We want the drop-in session to be an opportunity for people to have an informal and face-to-face conversation with us about their project ideas. We will have displays and information leaflets for people to take home, and hopefully it will give folk a clear idea as to whether LEADER could be a source of funding for their project.”

The drop-in session will take place in the Warehouse Buildings, Stromness, on Thursday, December 3, from 3pm to 6.30pm.

For more information visit on LEADER, click here, or check the Orkney LEADER Facebook page for regular updates.

Videos and case studies from the LEADER 2007 – 2013 programme, are available here.