Increased Level of LEADER Grants Available

9th September 2010

Recent changes to the Highland LEADER programme have included an increase to the rates of grants available which could now mean rates of up to 90% funding for community projects until December 2010.

In addition a further £2.33 million for community facilities and development plans from SRDP Rural Priorities has been transferred to LEADER for projects in the Highlands.

Nicole Wallace, Programme Manager with Highland LEADER said: "Up until now, the maximum intervention rate that could be offered to applicants was 45%. Rates of up to 90% are only available up until December of this year and as such we encourage applicants to come forward to avail of these rates."

Groups thinking of applying under the Community Services and Facility measure need to get their applications in to LEADER by 29th October to take advantage of the higher rate. An announcement on successful projects will be made in early December. If funds remain after this first round then there is likely to be a second round of money for new applications in March 2011.

All other LEADER applicants hoping to avail of the higher rates will need to have their project approved by December 2010 and meet the deadlines set by the 11 LEADER Local Area Partnerships and the LEADER strategic Local Action Group.

The process for applying for this LEADER money is the same as usual and
any community groups interested in making an application should contact their local LEADER representative.

• Caithness, Sutherland, Thurso, Wick, Cromarty Firth, Tain and Easter Ross
Fiona Cameron - Development Officer,
The Highland Council, Drummuie, Golspie, KW10 6TA
Tel - 07827 281469 or 01408 635215
Email - fiona.cameron4[AT]highland.gov.uk

• Aird, Loch Ness, Rural Inverness, Nairn, Caol, Mallaig, Fort William and Ardnamurchan

Martin Culbertson - Development Officer
Lochaber House, High Street, Fort William, PH33 6EL
Tel - 07827 281468 or 01397 707209
Email - martin.culbertson[AT]highland.gov.uk

• Dingwall & Seaforth, Black Isle, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer, Lochalsh and Skye

Liz Whiteford - Development Officer, Invergordon Service Point, 62 High Street, Invergordon, IV18 0DH, Tel - 07920 543719 liz.whiteford[AT]highland.gov.uk