Funding limits increased to encourage more applications from Lochaber

the existing play area which is over 30 years old

Highland LEADER Programme 2014-2020 

The group responsible for delivering LEADER in Lochaber has increased funding levels in a bid to encourage more applicants to come forward.

With just under a year left to commit funds of £258,000, the Lochaber Local Area Partnership has removed the maximum upper limit a group can apply for. 

LEADER aims to promote economic and community development within rural areas.  Groups and organisations can apply for funding towards a wide range of projects.  

Caol Play is one of the groups to successfully secure funding with an award of £75,000 from LEADER.  Damian MacDonald from Caol Play said: “The existing play area is no longer fit for purpose and needs upgrading.  The community wants to have a better facility where children can come together to play in safety, exercise and socialize. 

“The new play park will be considerably bigger with a number of new innovative pieces of equipment installed, along with safety surfacing, which will improve the play experience for local children as well as visitors to the area.”  

John Fotheringham, Chair of the Local Area Partnership said: “LEADER is a great source of match-funding to enable a wide range of projects to be delivered.  As well as removing the upper limit of £50,000, applicants can now apply for funding of up to 75% of project costs. 

“LEADER funds must be committed by March 2019 with projects completed by October 2019.  We would encourage as many projects as possible to come forward to benefit from EU funds whilst they are still available.  With funding allocated on a first come, first served basis now is the time for groups to get in touch to find out how LEADER can help.”