Whelk Leader+ introduction

LEADER + is a European Community Initiative that aims to assist rural communities to improve their quality of life and economic prosperity. The LEADER+ programme will run from 2000 to 2006 and it is intended to encourage and support communities, agencies and businesses in rural areas to think about the longer-term potential of their area.

It will encourage high-quality original strategies for sustainable development and encourage innovative projects that:

developing access to and interpretation of coastal and woodland areas
improving and extending community involvement in the management of the natural environment
assisting niche tourism projects which rely on the natural and cultural heritage of the area
improving knowledge and understanding of the natural environment

establishing or strengthening community groups to deliver community priorities
developing inter-community networking
supporting innovative methods of establishing or retaining vital services and facilities
piloting new methods of addressing problems of housing and transport
piloting use of mobile resources
supporting the use of new materials and new building techniques

contributing to sustainable rural economies by:

supporting local entrepreneurs to develop new business opportunities
supporting community waste management or recycling projects
exploring the opportunities offered by sea lochs for haulage by sea
supporting projects which add value to local produce
creating a balance between the requirement for economic development and sustaining the environment
developing Information and Communication Technology in support of remote communities
delivering improved service provision for remote provision

The Programme will be focused on coastal and island communities. Projects in towns will only be eligible for WHELK funding if surrounding rural communities can benefit directly from the project

The LEADER+ Programme also places strong emphasis on co-operation and networking between rural areas in the UK and throughout Europe. Additional money is available under the following measures for suitable projects.

Co-operation within Scotland and the United Kingdom - Transregional projects

International co-operation - Transnational projects