The aim of the Ayrshire LEADER Programme is to build knowledge and skills within our rural communities, and encourage innovation and co-operation by supporting new projects which tackle local rural development issues.
LEADER is part of the new Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP 2007-2013), which is a European funded programme aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas. LEADER aims to help those active in rural Scotland to consider the long term potential of their area and unlock this potential through building confidence.
As LEADER is new to the Ayrshire area, the Local Action Groups aim is to ensure this fund inspires, motivates and stimulates the communities of Ayrshire to work together in achieving a lasting legacy and contribute to the rejuvenation of rural communities, helping them meet challenges and grasp the opportunities.
The Ayrshire LEADER programme will run until 2013, investing £3.38m of grant funding over that period, with match funding brought forward on a project by project basis.
LEADER will be delivered through a local partnership known as the Ayrshire Local Action Group (LAG), made up of representatives from a wide variety of public and private organisations involved in rural development activities - look under scheduled LAG meetings for details of our members.
