1. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas The LEADER 2007 – 2013 Programme Sam Smith Rural Development Officer February 2010

2. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas LEADER 2007 – 2013 programme Part of the new “Scotland Rural Development Programme” (£38.5m) Aimed at promoting economic development within rural areas though innovative, community-led projects LEADER funding is managed at a local level by a “Local Action Group” (LAG) - a partnership of public, private and voluntary sector organisations Scotland is divided into 20 LEADER regions, each of which has its own LAG Scottish Borders budget £2.42M

3. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Guiding principles of LEADER Innovation (something new) Community involvement Equal Opportunities (including everyone) Sustainability (leaving a positive change with the economic, social or environmental situation) Transferability (how can others learn from the project?) The main concept behind the LEADER approach is that, given the diversity of European rural areas, development is more effective if led by people living and working in the local area.

4. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Each LEADER project proposal must show how it relates to these activities to help achieve the aims of the LEADER Programme. Definitions and examples of eligible projects are available in the LEADER Information Note and on website. Two themes: ‘Progressive Rural Economy’ and ‘Revitalised Rural Communities’ Six priority areas: Diverse and sustainable rural businesses Inclusive rural economy Distinctive local products Enhanced natural, built and cultural environment Cohesive and sustainable rural communities Innovative and integrated community services

5. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Who can apply? –Constituted community groups –Public organisations and agencies –Partnerships, trusts and other non-governmental organisations –Social enterprises –Collaborative business groupings What? –capital/ revenue/ grant schemes/ feasibility studies Grant rates and ££ available –50% (70% for inter-regional/ transnational projects) –Maximum grant £125,000

6. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas What does success look like? Scottish Borders Ancestral Tourism Forum Development: Two year project to develop and join up ancestral tourism facilities and businesses across the Scottish Borders - Grant awarded £93,500.

7. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Borders Woodfuel & Renewable Energy Project – Development of a rural based group, part of the Borders Machinery Ring cooperative, to provide woodfuel for local biomass energy uses both domestic and business - Grant awarded £64,500.

8. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Tweed Valley Tourism Consortium – Working Together: Appointment of Project Manager to take forward key elements of the Tweed Valley Forest Park Strategy - Grant awarded £60,000.

9. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Stable Life (GYP Borders): Borders wide project to offer referred young people a programme of Horse Therapy sessions, designed to build confidence and result in positive and sustained attitude change - Grant awarded £60,000.

10. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Creative Arts Business Network (CABN): One year pilot study to develop a network for creative/ arts businesses, with dedicated development officer at Heart of Hawick - Grant awarded £34,136.

11. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Music Shak: Music training and mentoring for young people in a music café environment - Grant awarded £7,140

12. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Eyemouth Harbour Pontoon & Shore Diver Access: New dive tourism facilities - Grant awarded £54,859.

13. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Progress to date LEADER Programme launched in May 2008 Six funding round so far 23 projects approved £994k LEADER funding allocated to projects Next application deadlines (decision 6 weeks later) –25 March 2010 –24 June 2010 –2 December 2010

14. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Other funds… ‘Food Processing, Marketing & Cooperation Grant Scheme’ Forestry Commission Challenge Funds South of Scotland Loan Scheme VisitScotland Growth Fund European Fisheries Fund (EFF) EU Structural Funds (LUPS) BIG Lottery programmes Charitable Trusts Common Good Funds SBC Community Grant Scheme SBC Landfill Communities Fund

15. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Sources of support LEADER Coordinator Business Gateway Rural Direct The Bridge/Berwickshire Association of Voluntary Services SBC Grants Coordinator SBC Lottery Officer

16. Scottish Borders LEADER Encouraging innovation in rural areas Need more information? Email enquiries: ruralfunding@scotborders.gov.uk Web information: www.scotborders.gov.uk/ruralfunding www.scottishbordersleader.co.uk