Public views sought on next LEADER bid

What type of projects would you like to see qualify for LEADER funding in the future?

Orkney’s LEADER Action Group (LAG) is currently putting together its Local Development Strategy and Business Plan case for a slice of the next available pot of LEADER finding from Europe.

In 2007 Orkney was awarded £2.11 million to provide to community projects in the islands. Seventy-five projects in total received funding including sound and lighting equipment in the new Birsay Community Hall, the construction of the Milestone Church in Dounby, the Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership, the Hofn Youth Centre in Westray and the Kirkwall BID.

As part of their business case, the LAG will need to set out what type of projects future funding would be allocated towards so are looking for the views of community groups and the public on what types of projects they would like to see benefit.

A series of public consultation meetings have been planned across mainland Orkney. These are:
• Tuesday, February 25, 7pm – 9pm, Pier Arts Centre, Stromness.
• Wednesday, February 26, 7pm – 9pm, St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall.
• Thursday, February 27, 7pm – 9pm, Cromarty Hall, St Margaret’s Hope.

At the meetings the public will hear presentations from Alister Brown, the council’s LEADER development officer and from past successful applicants. There will then be the chance to form smaller discussion groups to look at what the project priorities might be for the particular area.

A questionnaire has been sent to all previous applicants and local community groups and is also available at www.orkneycommunities.co.uk.