This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Euro funding for rural communities
15/08/2002
Rural communities in the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh are to benefit from £2.5 million of European funds.
The funds, allocated under the LEADER+ Community Initiative, will enable Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh Local Action Group (LAG) to support local programmes in rural areas.
Speaking in Stornoway as part of a tour of the Western Isles, Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development Allan Wilson said:
"Leader+ will secure significant benefits for the area by supporting key needs and services. This will be achieved by developing businesses, protecting the natural environment and enhancing the role of voluntary groups.
"The Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh LAG has been recognised for both innovation in rural development and consistency with the Leader philosophy, with many valuable schemes already being successfully delivered in the area."
The overall value of the programme is around £5 million over the next four years.
Project applications currently being considered include a proposal to understand the potential demand for broadband connectivity in the Western Isles, and a scheme advocating the use of solar powered street lamp units where no mains electricity is available.
Mr Wilson added:
"Partnership is a strong element in the Leader+ programme. It is now for the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh LAG to contribute to the overall aim of Leader+ by delivering an effective programme that will provide real benefits to their rural communities."
The LEADER+ programme for Scotland was submitted to the European Commission in March 2001 and was approved in January 2002. Approval of the programme allows local groups (Local Action Groups) to be designated and for the LAGs to begin implementation in their respective areas.
LEADER+ is one of four Community Initiatives which operate from 2000 to 2006. It is designed to encourage new ideas and support in sustainable rural development. The programme is worth some (65.7m (£40.4m) attracting around (28 (£17.4) from European funds.
The broad thrust of LEADER+ is set out in Commission guidelines. There are separate programmes for Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Local Action Groups are required to concentrate on one or two of the four key themes. These are: the use of new know-how and new technologies; improving the quality of life in rural areas, adding value to local products; and making best use of natural and cultural resources.
Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh Local Action Group is comprised of the following members:
Social and Economic Partners
Public Sector Partners
Association of the Western Isles Councils of Voluntary Service
Western Isles Enterprise
Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations
Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise
Young People's Representatives
Comhairle nan Eilan Siar
Women's Representatives
Highland Council
Comunn na Gaidhlig
Scottish Natural Heritage
For further information on Leader+ in the Western Isles area, please contact Calum Maciver, Community Development Manager, Western Isles Enterprise, on 01851 703703.