The next deadline for Expression of Interest in the Kelvin Valley and Falkirk LEADER programme is Friday 8^th September.

LEADER is a European Union Community Initiative which aims to promote economic and community development in rural areas. LEADER uses a bottom-up, partnership-based approach to rural development which will improve the quality of life and help make rural communities more sustainable.

The 2014-2020 Kelvin Valley and Falkirk LEADER Programme is a programme covering rural areas within East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire and Falkirk. The programme is managed by a Local Action Group (LAG), details of which can be found on the Local Action Group webpage.

Grants are available for projects that meet the priorities set out in LEADER’s Local Development Strategy.

Schemes are also available for small rural businesses and farmers looking to diversify, with grants of up to £100,000 available for eligible activity. Match funding will be required. Social Investment Scotland have also announced that organisations can apply for bridging loans to cover timing issues, as well as underwriting business loans that can be used as matching funding to unlock the grant.

For further information, including a map of eligible areas, please visit the Kelvin Valley and Falkirk LEADER website.