Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Anne-Michelle Ketteridge Programme Manager

What is LEADER ? Liaison Entre Action de Developpement de l’Economie Rurale or Links Between Actions for the Development of the Rural Economy European Funding for pilot or innovative rural development projects Axis 4 of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP)

About LEADER Locally administered Local decision-making (Local Action Group) Local development strategy Reports to Brussels via Scottish Government (our Managing Authority)

Local Action Group EU Requirement that at least 50% are community/business/non-agency members In Forth Valley & Lomond we have 24 members of our LAG Selected from across area to give geographic spread and offer a comprehensive mix of skills Chair (Peter Sunderland) and two vice chairs (Dereck Fowles MBE, Gary Groves)

Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER “Improving the quality of life in Forth Valley and Lomond through revitalised communities and enhanced natural environments” Revitalising Communities Conservation of the rural environment

FVL Objectives Revitalising communities Ensuring sustainable local services Developing community owned assets Supporting sustainable local enterprise Celebrating Forth Valley and Lomond's culture Sensitively developing the built environment Conservation of the rural environment Connecting businesses and communities to natural assets Environmental improvements Ensuring sensitive access for all Understanding Forth Valley and Lomond's natural heritage

Who Can Apply? Community Organisations Social Enterprises Business Associations Public Agencies Businesses via Mini Programmes or Schemes

How to apply? Two stage application process –Complete an outline enquiry form with basic information –This allows for eligibility checks to be carried out –Then meet to discuss project before completion of full application form

Application process Support available from LEADER development officer(s) Role to help applicants prepare a quality application Don’t leave it to last minute Once an enquiry form is received we will work with you to develop your project But the support doesn’t stop there…

Support from LEADER We will support you throughout the life of your project (and sometimes beyond) We tailor the support to your need or request We can help you identify match funding We can help make linkages with new partners and new funders We can pass on best practice from other projects We can help link you with projects elsewhere in Europe

Funding Details LEADER can fund up to 50% of project costs 25% of your total eligible project costs can be ‘in-kind’ 5% of total project cost to come from private sources (not public sector or lottery)

Timescale LAG meet quarterly Next deadline for full applications Friday 16 February Decision in mid March Fast-track projects any time

What has FVL LEADER already funded? Programme started allocating in April enquiries £762,402 allocated 39 projects from across area Events, business plans, feasibility studies, visitor facilities, development strategies, mapping projects, community facilities, access projects

Flanders Moss Flanders Moss Viewing Tower SNH/Local primary schools

Balmaha Environmental Playscape Learning for Living Project, (Green Mapping) Clacks CVS

Community Action on Invasive Weeds Stirling & Clacks Environment Trust

Bracklinn Falls Bridge - Callander

Latest Developments Possible transfer of ‘Local Development Strategies’ funding from Rural Priorities to LEADER Possible transfer of ‘Community Services and Facilities’ funding from Rural Priorities to LEADER Asked to help allocate Economic Recovery Funds for rural broadband infrastructure projects

Find out more If you have a specific project in mind, download the enquiry form from our website and it to us at Or complete the one in your pack and post it to us at FVL LEADER C/o Stirling Council Viewforth Stirling FK8 2ET Information is also available on our website More about LEADER in general:

FVL LEADER Team Anne-Michelle Ketteridge, Programme Manager Sue Wyllie, Development Officer (job share) Stuart Davies, Development Officer (job share) Irene Watterson, Claims Officer