Outer Hebrides LEADER

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
3 March 2009

Rural Development Programme Open For Applications

The LEADER Innse Gall programme is open for enquiries and applications from today.
LEADER is part of the SRDP (Scottish Rural Development Programme) allocation and is a
bottom up method of delivering support for rural development.

Support is primarily aimed at
small-scale, community-driven projects that are pilot and innovative in nature. Vitally the
benefits and participation of the local community in the project is fundamental to the LEADER
ethos.

Funding is awarded by the LEADER Innse Gall Local Action Group (LAG) who take decisions
on projects that assist in 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 priorities.

Cllr Archie Campbell, Chair of the LEADER Innse Gall Local Action group, said: “The LEADER
Innse Gall programme will strive to create sustainable economic activities that will generate
demand and open opportunities to attract and retain the population. Innovative and ambitious
projects will be encouraged, especially those that stimulate the creation of new jobs and the
growth of the resident working age. Particular areas such as renewable energy and remote
telecommunications, where the Outer Hebrides have a specific natural advantage, will be
assisted and in sectors where it has a unique selling point such as Harris Tweed, the Gaelic
language and culture. “

LEADER Innse Gall will accept applications from the following groups provided that the
project’s main aim is to benefit the Outer Hebrides rural community through demonstrating
economic, environmental, social and sustainable development:

• Properly Constituted Organisations
• Social Enterprises
• Micro or Small businesses
• Voluntary Organisations
• Public Sector Bodies
• Private individuals, business partnerships and capital companies where sponsored
  financially by public bodies, clubs and societies thus ensuring a wider community
  benefit rather than a pure economic benefit.

In comparison to the previous LEADER+ programme LEADER Innse Gall has identified target
groups and the submission of applications for projects focussing on these groups will be
prioritised. This is because the LAG aims to reduce out-migration, provide better support
networks, facilities, amenities and activities for the following key groups:

• Young People (up to 34 years of age)
• Women
• Elderly (over 65 years of age)

For further information please contact:
Kathlene MacDonald, Outer Hebrides LEADER Co-ordinator,
C/o Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Chief Executive’s Dept, Sandwick Road, Stornoway,
Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BW, Tel: +44 (0)1851 709418, Fax: +44 (0)1851 706022,
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/cxdir/externalstrategy/leader.asp

Ends
Issued by Nigel Scott, Communications Officer, 01851 709389; mobile: 07884 236103