New Netork To Empower Rural Scotland

26th April 2009

Rural communities throughout Scotland can now start to share ideas, experiences and information through the new Scottish National Rural Network.

The network will promote national and regional events and be supported by an interactive website within which communities can share common problems, examples of good practice and development ideas.

The website, the first of four to be set up in the UK will encourage links to other countries throughout the European Union.

One of the first items on the website is the Rural Funding Opportunities Guide which contains details of the many resources the Scottish Government is making available to rural communities. Reference is also made to other funding sources, such as the National Lottery.

Launching the Network in Alness, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland has a long and proud tradition of innovation and our communities are a rich source of potential, creativity, energy and talent.

"We want to tap into this, to encourage communities to share their knowledge and experience, to take control over the things that effect their lives and build strong, sustainable futures.

"The Scottish National Rural Network will help meet these goals by connecting rural communities and promoting sustainable economic growth and community development.

"Funding is often key to developments happening, and I am delighted today to publish the Government's guide to rural funding opportunities.

"The ý180m of funding outlined in this leaflet is a valuable resource which I hope communities will make full use of."

The Scottish National Rural Network is one of the 4 UK programmes that link together at UK level.

The Scottish National Rural Network, through local and national events and the web site, aims to connect rural Scotland in all its diversity to promote sustainable economic growth and community development.

The aim of the network is "Connecting Rural Scotland Promoting Rural Growth" and will make the most of the resources available through the Scotland Rural Development Programme of around £1.5 bn.

The website will provide news, information and networking opportunities for everyone living and working in rural Scotland, and help them to keep in touch with similar communities in the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond.

The Scottish National Rural Network website can be found at www.ruralgateway.org.uk

The Rural Funding Opportunities Guide aims to provide quick and readily available information about what funding is available from the Scottish Government and who to contact. It also gives a quick guide to Lottery funding and contacts.