LEADER was a European Rural Development programme funded from European and Scottish Government money and was part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

Angus LEADER had a fund of over £2million available for projects in rural Angus. The programme has now closed.

Applications were open to public and private bodies, small and micro businesses, individuals and community groups.
Grants were awarded by the Angus Local Action Group to projects that support the delivery of the Local Development Strategy.  Successful applicants needed to show how their project would help to deliver one or more of these strategic objectives.

Build community capacity

Individuals and communities will have increased skills, knowledge and confidence to take forward development and regeneration projects that will make a difference locally
Communities and individuals will have stronger sense of identity and pride in the place that they live, and in Angus
The inequalities for young people, disadvantaged groups and vulnerable communities will be reduced

Improve connectivity

Individuals and communities will have increased access to digital connectivity
Individuals and communities will have increased knowledge, skills and confidence to develop and access digital connectivity and make use of it
The physical links between people and places will be better , greener and meet local needs

Develop community assets and facilities

More community facilities will be fit for purpose and better used by communities
More communities will manage and own local assets
The natural and cultural heritage of the local area will be enhanced and conserved

Strengthen local economy

Micro Businesses and social enterprises will have increased support to develop in a sustainable way
Individuals have increased knowledge and skills
More services are locally delivered by social enterprises and community businesses

Scottish Government requires minimum ring fenced allocations of 10% of our overall budget.
Small Rural Business Support
Farm Diversification
Cooperation

LEADER Funding was also available from the European Maritime Fisheries Fund and aimed to support the sustainable development of coastal communities located in Angus and North & South Aberdeenshire. Fisheries funding was targeted on coastal settlements with demonstrable associations with the fisheries sector and projects which aligned with the priorities of each area’s Local Development Strategy and EMFF objectives.
The EMFF programme aimed to promote economic diversification both within and outwith the fisheries sector as well as build capacity of fisheries communities across the European Union through local projects that build knowledge and skills, add value to fisheries products and in turn facilitate innovation and cooperation in fisheries areas.
Angus partnered with North & South Aberdeenshire and formed the North East of Scotland Local Action Group (NESFLAG).
Angus had an allocation of £114,960
Further information can be found on the NESFLAG website