Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

LEADER in rural Aberdeenshire

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Rural Aberdeenshire Leader Funding Bid

Programme6.30pm Teas and Coffees

7.00pm Introduction

7.15pm Background to LEADER European funding

Development of Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Strategy

7.45pm Workshops/discussion

8.25pm Teas and Coffees

8.30pm Feedback from Workshops/discussion

8.45pm Report on results of survey

9.00pm Thanks and close

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Leader is:

• part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013

• estimated to be £41m for rural Scotland• to empower communities to develop their own area

utilising innovation and co-operation• LEADER will fund up to 50% of eligible costs• match funding from public sector partners, business

and community

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

The Outcomes the Scottish Government hope to deliver through LEADER are:-

• Business viability

• Enhanced biodiversity and landscape

• Improved water quality

• Tackle climate change

• Enhanced development of rural communities

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Local Action Groups (LAGs):

• will be established from partner organisations• throughout Scotland will bid for LEADER

funds• will prepare strategy based on the needs and

requirements of the community• will assess applications

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Leader Funding:

The project must be:• Sustainable over the long term• Involving and engaging the LAG population.• Making a positive contribution to sustainability• Grant available is up to 50% on local projects• Grant available is up to 70% for co-operation

projects with other LAGs

Community oriented Land Management projects

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Timescale

• SRDP anticipated approval end 2007• LEADER LAGs to be formally approved

Jan/Feb 2008• LEADER Co-ordinator appointed Feb/March

2008• Anticipate application process will start March

2008• Further promotion at workshops and

seminars in local communities

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Contact for information:Vicky Thomson

Aberdeenshire Council01467 628383

vicky.thomson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Rural Aberdeenshire Local Action Group

• Progress so far• Shaping the Strategy

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Rural Aberdeenshire Local Action Group

• August 2007, the Aberdeenshire LAG registered the local LAG partnership with the Scottish Government

• Links have been established with the neighbouring LAGs of Moray, Cairngorms and Tayside

• Questionnaire has been sent out to over 150 community groups and individuals to gain input into the Strategy

• Work has started on the Strategy and Business Plan which have to be in by end of October

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Rural Aberdeenshire Local Action Group• The bid for LEADER funds in Aberdeenshire will be £3.5

million• This will mean £1m spend on LEADER projects per annum• The LAG aims to reflect a wide range of rural interests

comprising an equal mix of public and private sector requirements

• The overarching Community Planning Themes of Community Wellbeing, Jobs and the Economy, Lifelong Learning and Sustainable Environment are core to the partners and the establishment of the Rural Aberdeenshire LAG

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

LEADER 2007-2013 Rural Aberdeenshire LAG Area

LEADER 2007-2013Rural Aberdeenshire LAG Area

Peterhead

Stonehaven

Portlethen

Ellon

Banchory

Fraserburgh

Inverurie

Westhill

Aberdeenshire part of theCairngorms National Park

Towns shown (population over 5,000) are excluded from theRural Aberdeenshire LAG Area

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Rural Aberdeenshire Local Action Group

Themes:

Revitalising communities & Progressive rural economy

Proposed Priorities: 1. Sustainable Communities2. Sustainable Energy3. Innovative Value Added Products and Markets4. Sustainable Tourism Development5. Innovative Micro Enterprise6. Versatile Rural Workforce

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Rural AberdeenshireLocal Action Group

Workshops

• Identify challenges in Rural Aberdeenshire

• What actions can we take to tackle the above challenges?

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Rural AberdeenshireLocal Action Group

Results of SurveyChallenges25% mentioned transport links25% mentioned lack of affordable housing20% mentioned lack of employment opportunities in local areaAlso: - lack of local services and facilities - lack of funding for projectsRespondents would like to see LEADER respond to the above and help small businesses and environmental projects.

Rural Aberdeenshire

Local Action Group

Rural AberdeenshireLocal Action Group

• Rural Transport• Community facilities• Promotion and marketing of local products• Tourism activity and marketing• Small scale renewable energy projects

Results of SurveyRespondents rated the following projects high priority: