Rural funding in Scotland has changed and to keep land managers, rural businesses and organisations and communities up to date with what is available and how to go about applying for funds, the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has organised a series of information roadshows across the National Park in July.
The Scottish Government’s £1.6billion Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) for 2007-2013 represents a significant shift in how rural funding is delivered. The fund provides the framework to deliver European and Scottish Government funding promoting social, economic and environmental benefits across rural Scotland.
Funding is being delivered through a range of measures including the European funded LEADER programme, which is managed locally by the Cairngorms Local Action Group and is aimed at community driven enterprises that are innovative in nature, will enhance the local area and help economic development. For land managers and other rural businesses in the Cairngorms National Park, SRDP’s ‘Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities’ is likely to be a key funding source with a focus on climate change, biodiversity and landscape and improving water quality.
Working with partners, the CNPA has organised a series of rural funding roadshows in a bid to demystify the SRDP with information on what types of projects are likely to attract funding, who is eligible to apply and the application process. There will also be hints and tips on how to submit a good application.
To find out more please go along to one of the events taking place next month:
- Tuesday 1 July: Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore
- Thursday 3 July: Village Hall, Newtonmore
- Tuesday 8 July: Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey
- Thursday 10 July: Richmond Hotel, Tomintoul
- Tuesday 15 July: Lonach Hall, Strathdon
- Thursday 17 July: George Beaton Room, Victoria & Albert Halls, Ballater
- Tuesday 22 July: Newton Hotel, Kirriemuir
All of the events are free and take place from 7-9pm.
CNPA board member Eleanor Mackintosh said: “The Scotland Rural Development Programme has the potential to contribute to the vision set out in the Cairngorms National Park Plan and help us all to meet the aims of the Cairngorms National Park. As such, it is important that the CNPA and our partners are able to help people identify good quality projects that help to meet those objectives and to ensure that everyone is making the most of the programme from the start.”
For more information on the SRDP in the Cairngorms National Park tel: 01479 870512 / email: [email protected]
To register your interest in attending any of the events please contact Kate Christie or Sam Masson on tel: 01479 870535/537 or email: [email protected] / [email protected]