Argyll and the Islands Leader

Applications to the Leader funding programme which met the November 7th deadline will be given final consideration at the next LAG meeting on 12th December 2008. Arran CVS will be in attendance, and we'll publish details of successful local projects as soon as decisions have been made.

Avenues of support for Social Enterprise

At open sessions recently held on Arran and Cumbrae, an Irvine-based organisation called opp2mise (opportunities to move into Social Enterprise) made themselves known as a valuable source of advice and support for any local groups considering embarking on a Social Enterprise. Firstport also provide a Scotland-wide service, which is currently free of charge, thanks to funding from Communities Scotland.

Kilmory Hall on Arran is an example of a well-established Social Enterprise. They support a paid member of staff, and provide premises for services and events such as the local post office, community meetings, art exhibitions and farmers' markets. They have recently hosted a Leader-funded Harrier Viewing project.

The Rural Gateway website has details of forthcoming Social Enterprise information events in Scotland.

opp2mise

Firstport

Kilmory Hall

Rural Gateway

Argyll and The Islands Leader

Brodick Improvements Committee's bid for the most recent allocation of Leader funding was successful. The Local Action Group's latest quarterly meeting, held in Oban on 26th September, heard bids from 14 shortlisted projects and approved dispersal of funds to 11 of those. Details of the projects can be viewed here

Kilmory Wildlife Viewing, Argyll Fisheries Trust and Visit Arran Market Research are 3 local groups already to have received financial help from the Leader Funding Programme in the previous rounds. The next application deadline is 7th November, and shortlisted projects will be discussed by the LAG in Rothesay on 12th December. More information on the programme, application forms and criteria can be viewed on http://www.argyllandtheislandsleader.org.uk

Arran Fairtrade at The Burnside Gallery, Brodick

Since the Arran steering group for Fairtrade was formed last December as an offshoot of the Arran Justice, Peace and Environment Group, the movement has gained momentum, with the week of 3rd - 10th September marking a celebration of support for Fairtrade on the island. For more information...

North Ayrshire Compact launched 3rd June 08

Compact is a widespread strategy to improve links between the voluntary and community sector and the government, and to extend opportunities for the voluntary sector’s members, supporters and users to contribute their experience and ideas to the development and implementation of public policy.

Implementation of the plan is ongoing on a national scale. Its success is dependent upon open dialogue between, and adequate representation of, the sectors concerned. Information on North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership can be found at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/communityplanning

We will keep you posted on developments which affect Arran and Cumbrae. 

Click here to see the 2004 Scottish Compact