Information for Applicants

If you are interested in applying to LEADER, please check that your project is located in our eligible area and fits with one of our priority areas listed below. Then complete an Outline Enquiry Form and return it to the LEADER team. We'll be in touch to help you develop a full application.

Area Map

The area covered by the new programme application is shown below, or click here to download a larger version (1.5MB file size).

We want to invest in the following areas:

Revitalising communities

Ensuring sustainable local services
We want to see the development of more and better local services within Forth Valley and Lomond's rural communities that are economically sustainable and which can contribute to local employment

Developing community owned assets
We want to see local ownership and control of land, property, renewable energy and other enterprises that will ensure the future sustainability of our rural communities and will yield a continuing economic return that can be re-invested in these local communities

Supporting sustainable local enterprise
We want to remove barriers to local enterprise, particularly for women and young people, in order to support more indigenous local enterprise in Forth Valley and Lomond under three main sub-themes:

• Supporting the area’s local producers, distributors and rural retailers by ensuring better connections between them and promoting the competitive and quality advantages of local sourcing,

• Encouraging and supporting the start-up and growth of sustainable local enterprises, including activity and green tourism businesses

• Encouraging and supporting a more enterprising voluntary and community sector

Celebrating Forth Valley and Lomond's culture
We want to see Forth Valley and Lomond's unique cultural heritage support the development of the tourism offering in the area

Sensitively developing the built environment
We want to invest in the built environment where this is led by, or supported by, the community to lead to the growth of the local economy, whilst improving the appearance and vitality of our towns and villages which provide key services and enhances the natural environment of the area.

Conservation of the rural environment

Connecting businesses and communities to natural assets
We want to see better connections between business, communities and the natural environment including improvements in the local green tourism offering

Environmental improvements
We want to see practical improvements to maintain and enhance the environmental assets of the region

Ensuring sensitive access for all
We want to see improvements to countryside access including provision for people with disabilities and for speakers of other languages

Understanding Forth Valley and Lomond's natural heritage
We want to promote environmental education and interpretation