Nine Projects benefit from LEADER Funding

Nine community projects across Orkney have recently benefited from funding from the county’s LEADER fund.

Orkney’s £2.5m LEADER programme offers funding for small-scale, pilot projects led by the local community or that are in the local community interest, with the aim to promote economic and community development within Orkney.

The latest awards bring the total awarded since June 2016 to £940,000 across 17 projects, ranging from a package of initiatives supporting Orkney’s food, drink and craft sectors to the creation of the St Magnus Way and support for two of Orkney’s museums.

Francesca Couperwhite, chair of the LEADER Local Action Group (LAG) was delighted to see a further 9 projects benefit from the funding. She was particularly pleased to see some smaller projects coming forward.

“The LAG is aware some community groups are concerned about the complexities of the LEADER Programme, but there is help available to applicants from the Local LEADER team where Amy and Julie work closely with them guide them through the system,” she said.

The programme remains open to applicants, with further funding deadlines scheduled for July and November.

Further information on the programme can be found by visiting the Orkney LEADER website, or by contacting the Orkney LEADER team direct at Orkney Islands Council on (01856) 873535.