Projects seeking to apply for Landscape Partnership funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund can get at-a-glance information on the application requirements here.

Read more about the last public meeting.

A new service has been launched to help community groups in rural Scotland access a range of funding programmes. If your community wants to refurbish your village hall, develop new local services or come up with a long-term plan for community development, then make the most of the funding programmes that are out there. Rural Direct is a free service available to constituted community groups in rural areas throughout Scotland.  You can contact the service by calling 0845 838 8598. Calls will be charged at local rate.

You can also email your query to  ruraldirect@scvo.org.uk

or ruraldirect@crofterscommission.org.uk.

The Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP)

2007-13 is an initiative which, through the Leader Funding Programme, can help establish and support innovative projects in rural areas. The Leader grant can only be released to eligible parties once they have secured match funding, normally 50% or more of the total project cost. The rules vary for projects eligible to apply to the Convergence fund. For full information contact Sheila McLean, project

co-ordinator, on:

01631 564424 or 07760 246574

sheila.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk

An intended outcome of the Leader programme is community benefit, so public bodies should be considered as possible sources of match funding. A minimum overall project cost of £1000 applies. Check here for eligibility. The next formal awards discussion will be on 12th December 2008 with the deadline for applications set at

7th November , however meetings are quarterly so there will be another chance in February.

Information on the application process and eligibility for funding through the Rural Priorities programme can be found on the Rural Priorities page. Information on both this and the LEADER funds is available from Jim Nichols in the office (01770 600611), who will be able to direct you to the project advisors. For Rural Priorities, the 'judging panel' is called the Regional Proposal Assessment Committee, or RPAC.