Orkney LEADER welcomes ‘expressions of interest’

The Orkney LEADER Programme is officially open for interested parties to fill out an expression of interest form.

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

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

Groups with project ideas are now invited to submit an expression of interest form through the Scottish Rural Network website.

All projects must contribute to at least one of the following objectives of the 2014-2020 LEADER Local Development Strategy:

•  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.

James Stockan, chairman of the OIC’s development and infrastructure committee, explained: “The Expression of Interest is the first stage of the application process where groups can share ideas they have for projects.

“The information that is entered into the Expression of Interest form does not need to be finalised as the project is likely to develop. The Council’s LEADER team will work closely with the groups to advise if they think the projects are suitable to progress to full application stage.”

For more information visit the Orkney LEADER website at http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/LEADER/ or like the Orkney LEADER Facebook page for regular updates. You can also contact the LEADER team direct at Orkney Islands Council on 01856 873535 ext 2811.

Case studies of the projects that were successful in the 2007 – 2013 programme are available at www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/O/leader.htm.

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