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

The recent support for 13 new projects in Argyll and the Islands has brought the area's running total to 73 projects supported to date with funding of £2,702,063.

In all, these projects have a value of £6,145,724 which represents a substantial cash injection for communities across Argyll and the Islands. Councillor Dick Walsh, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council and Chair of the Community Planning Partnership commenting on the LEADER programme, said, "There is no doubt that the area derives great benefit from the  support of LEADER funding and the involvement of the Local Action Group ensures that vital "on the ground" knowledge feeds in and shapes the funding priorities."

Recent projects include a feasibility study for Tayvallich village hall, a project manager for the Kilmahew Woodland Restoration Group, and ceilidh trails for Feisean nan Gaidheal. Argyll & Bute Volunteer Centre  received funding for  People First, Argyll and Bute Council for their community planning partnership, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise for community account management.

Dick Walsh welcomed the community planning funding, commenting, "Working in an area like ours, where so many of our communities are small, isolated and fragile, engaging with those communities in a meaningful way is no easy task. The Council and its partners are determined that their priorities reflect those of the communities which they serve and the funding awarded to the Partnership will be channelled into strengthening those all important links."

 Full details of these and other projects funded by Argyll and Islands LEADER can be found on their website or on the Rural Network projects database.

For further information on applying to Argyll and Islands LEADER contact Lorna Elliott 01631 563016  lorna.elliott@argyll-bute.gov.uk  or Sheila McLean 01631 564424 sheila.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk