Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Issue 7: Wednesday 25th August

Editor's Note

Welcome to the Funding Latest newsletter from the Scotland National Rural Network website. Once a month we send out a special funding edition which gives you regular updates of news, deadlines and announcements about rural funding.

New biodiversity fund announced

A new biodiversity fund has been announced at the the Scottish Biodiversity Forum Conference taking place in Glasgow. Over the next two years up to £250,000 will be released by Scottish Natural Heritage to help communities to conserve their local biodiversity. You can find out more in Biodiversity conservation fund launched.

Rural Priorities important changes

On 3rd August, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead announced a number of changes to the Rural Priorities scheme. The changes include:

• The transfer of the Community Services and Facilities option to LEADER, with £13.3 million re-allocated to support this change
• The autumn 2010 RPAC round for Rural Priorities will focus on Axis Two (agri-environment and forestry) projects only
• Any Axis One or Three projects submitted by 2nd August (and subsequently committed by 6th September) will be considered at the first RPAC round in 2011. The date for this has yet to be set but will be announced as soon as it is known
• Any Axis One (business development) applications submitted after 2nd August will have the potential award capped at £250,000 per project
• The Scottish Government is considering introducing a continuous assessment for smaller scale Rural Priorities projects

You can find out more in Changes to Rural Priorities announced.

Rural Priorities - VAT increase

Due to the planned VAT increase to 20 percent from 1 January 2011, the Scottish Government are allowing any applicants who are not VAT registered to submit a variation to their contract to cover the increase in the eligible costs of the project, as the planned increase is outwith the applicant's control. Find out more on the SRDP website.

Featured Funder - The Prince's Countryside Fund

The Prince's Countryside Fund is the subject of our latest Featured Funder. The fund's aims are:

• To improve the sustainability of British farming and rural communities, targeting the areas of greatest need
• To reconnect consumers with countryside issues

• To support farming and rural crisis charities through a dedicated emergency funding stream

You can get more information about the fund, criteria and eligibility and find out what's been funded so far in Featured Funder: The Prince's Countryside Fund.

Community Renewables Fund closing to new applications

The Scottish Government has announced that the Community and Renewable Energy Fund (CARES) will close to new applications due to unprecedented demand. The scheme has already helped over 300 community groups to invest in renewable technology such as biomass, solar panels and wind turbines. A further 300 groups are expected to benefit by April next year. You can find out more in Community Renewables Fund closing to new applicants.

Big Lottery coming to a town near you

The Big Lottery are touring Scotland from August to October with their BIG Information Days. It's a chance to find out more about lottery funding and how it could benefit your group. For more information go to Big Lottery Fund on tour.

Angus Council Community Grant Scheme Event

An event on 30th August is a chance to hear the most up to date information on the Angus Council Community Grant Scheme. The event takes place from 3.30 to 4.30pm at Webster's Theatre, Arbroath. You can find out more here.

Check out our Funding Directory

If you're looking for funding why not check out our Funding Directory? Here you'll find brief information and links to various funds from family trusts to lottery funds.

Rural Direct is here to help

Rural Direct is a free service which helps constituted community groups in rural Scotland to access funding. For more information you can visit the Rural Direct website, phone 0845 838 8598 or email info@ruraldirect.org.uk.

Funding Events

Search for the latest funding events in your area in the Events Calendar. 

Rural Develpment Funding

For more information on funding go to the Rural Development Funding page