Up to £25,000 in stand alone grants are being made available to local farmers across the Falkirk area to help them diversify into new activities.

The funding is part of the EU LEADER initiative that can provide up to 50% match funding for projects where they promote economic and community development in rural areas.

Examples of eligible activities include leisure and recreation and tourist accommodation.

A free information session for farmers to find out more is being held at the Westerwood Hotel in Cumbernauld on Wednesday 18 May between 6:45pm and 9pm where representatives of LEADER will be on hand to discuss how they may be able to help.

There will also be presentations from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and two local diversification projects.

Fiona Campbell, Head of Policy, Technology and Improvement at Falkirk Council said: “This part of the LEADER programme offers some great opportunities for farmers to expand their businesses by trying new and exciting methods and activities.

“The event will give anyone interested a great insight into how easy it is to apply and how much support is available throughout the process.”

Representatives from Business Gateway will also be available to advise farmers on developing new enterprises on their farms, and sandwiches and refreshments will be served.

More information is available on the kvfleader website. Booking is required.

Falkirk Council is the lead partner for delivering the LEADER fund across East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire and Falkirk.