Welcome To The Shetland LEADER Programme
LEADER is part of the new Scotland Rural Development Programme, aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas. The current LEADER Programme will run from 2008-2013 and will encourage new and experimental approaches to rural development.
What Is LEADER?
LEADER is a bottom-up method of delivering support for rural development through implementing a local rural development strategy. Support will be aimed primarily at small-scale, community-driven projects that are pilot and innovative in nature.
The aim of LEADER is to increase the capacity of local rural community and business networks to build knowledge and skills, innovate and co-operate in order to tackle local development objectives.
Shetland has been allocation £650,000 for the Shetland Leader Programme 2008-2013. All projects approved will have to demonstrate how they fit with the main themes of; Revitalising Communities and Progressive Rural Economy. (Please see our business plan for definitions of these terms)
Who Can Apply?
The Shetland LEADER Programme is open to constituted community groups, social enterprises, micro or small businesses, voluntary organisations or public sector bodies with a project idea that will benefit the rural community.
Learn MoreApplication Process
Applicants must complete a short Potential Projects Form providing brief details of the potential project. This will be discussed by the Local Action Group (LAG), and detailed application forms will be made available where relevant.
Learn MoreFunding Available
The maximum contribution from the LEADER Programme to any project will be between 40-50% of the total eligible project costs. Therefore, applicants will need to have match funding, finding between 50-60% of the project costs from public and private sources.
Learn MoreContact Us
Please contact us with any enquiries you have about the Shetland LEADER Programme.
