Outer Hebrides LEADER

LEADER is a bottom-up method of delivering support for rural development through implementing a local rural development strategy. Support will be aimed primarily at small-scale, community driven projects that are pilot and innovative in nature.

The overall aim of all LEADER programmes is to communicate an integrated and innovative bottom-up approach to rural development to promote the development of Scotland’s rural communities.

LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs) will achieve this by increasing the capacity of the local rural community and business networks by building knowledge and skills, and encouraging innovation and co-operation to tackle local development objectives.

LEADER accounts for 5% of the total SRDP (Scottish Rural Development Programme) allocation (around £38m). An additional £19.2m Convergence Funding has been awarded to 7 LAGs in the Highlands and Islands in recognition of its previous status as a disadvantaged and remote area. Funding is awarded by LAGs who take decisions on projects which are community driven and have a wide community benefit. These LAGs are a partnership made up of representatives from the public, private and volunteer sectors, community groups and youth representatives.

20 LAGs cover around 95% of rural Scotland with quality local rural development strategies. Links to the majority of the LAGs can be found on our ‘Links’ page and the area covered can be viewed on the map below.