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LEADER in the Highlands

There have been 4 previous LEADER Programmes.  LEADER is part of the new Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas. LEADER is a grassroots method of delivering support for rural development through implementing Local Development Strategies.  It is aimed primarily at small and medium sized community driven projects that are pilot and innovative in nature.


Support is awarded by 21 Local Action Groups (LAGs) and is aimed at local projects with a wide community benefit that show an element of originality or experimentation, where possible, and complement other activities within the Local Development Strategy.

LEADER is part of the current Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). More Information is available on the Scottish Rural Network website.

Highland Local Development Strategy (LDS)

The Highland Local Development Strategy outlines the aims and objectives of the Highland LEADER Programme 2014-2020.

The Strategy was developed in consultation with communities across Highland and was submitted to the Scottish Government as part of the Highland Local Action Group’s bid to secure EU funds.