Orkney Communities Orkney Islands LEADER Programme 2007-2013 | text version | sitemap | log in

About LEADER

LEADER stands for Liaison Entre Actions pour le Development de L'Economie Rurale (links between actions for the development of the rural economy).

LEADER is part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP), a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental, and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland up to and including the year 2013.

LEADER forms part of this programme and is primarily aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas. 

LEADER is a bottom-up method of delivering support for rural development through implementing a local rural development strategy, aimed primarily at supporting innovative small-scale projects.

LEADER aims to increase the capacity of local rural community and business networks by building knowledge and skills, encouraging innovation and co-operation, and attempting to tackle local development objectives.

LEADER makes up approximately 5% of the total SRDP allocation, in conjunction with additional convergence funding which has been awarded to all Highlands & Islands regions in recognition of its previous status as a disadvantaged and remote area. 

LEADER funds are awarded by the Local Action Group, who award money to community-driven and wide-benefiting projects.

An information sheet on LEADER is available for view or download by clicking here.
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