Communities, businesses and farms in rural locations across the Falkirk Council area could benefit from a new five year European funding programme.
The new Kelvin Valley & Falkirk LEADER 2014-2020 programme is being launched at the end of October and covers rural areas within Falkirk, East Dunbartonshire and North Lanarkshire - with £2.8 million being allocated by the programme over the next five years.
The programme is managed by a Local Action Group (LAG).
Twenty four projects across the Falkirk Council area secured £435,650 during the last five year programme and include:
- £1,150 for a supported employment café at Muiravonside Country Park
- £12,000 for events management on Callendar Estate
- £36,000 for the Dale Bridge rebuild
- £48,000 for Fankerton Community Hall.
Councillor Dennis Goldie, spokesperson for Economic Development said: “This funding programme can be a vital lifeline for our many rural communities and businesses which can struggle to get funded by other development grants.
“The previous programme has already made a huge difference across our rural communities with twenty four projects securing significant funding to take forward innovative ideas with a community and business focus.
“Judging by the previous success, the launch of the new fund will undoubtedly bring many new applications which will result in additional funding which will improve the quality of life in our rural areas.”
This year’s programme has new ring-fenced funding for business development and farm diversification.
The programmes themes are:
- Heritage, tourism and leisure
- Community services and facilities
- Local business and employment
A minimum grant award of £5,000 and a maximum award of £125,000 have been agreed by the LAG.
Ian Howarth, Chair of the LAG, who manage the programme said: “The LEADER funding awarded to the new Kelvin Valley and Falkirk programme provides a wonderful opportunity to make a difference across the new LEADER area for the benefit of all.
“The fund will assist local communities in the area to make positive differences to create a better place to live and improve links between communities and heritage and employment.”
Most of the Falkirk Council area is covered by the programme except Bo’ness, Falkirk Town Centre and Grangemouth.
The launch event will take place on Thursday 29 October at Colzium House in Kilsyth from 5.30 – 8.30pm giving information on programme priorities and offering potential applicants the chance to discuss ideas with LAG members.
Book a place at www.kvfleader.org.uk or call 01324 506065.
LEADER (Liasons Entre Actions de Development de L’Economie Rurale) is a European Union initiative aimed at promoting economic and community development in rural areas.
Kelvin Valley & Falkirk LAG is being part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community LEADER 2014-2020 programme.