South Ayrshire Council News

The South Ayrshire launch of a European funding initiative, promising £3.8 million of funding for rural areas, is set to take place on 20th November - with similar local launches taking place in East and North Ayrshire in the following days.

The Ayrshire-wide initiative aims to promote economic and community development within rural areas and is delivered through a local partnership known as a Local Action Group, made up of partners from many public and private organisations and is being administered by South Ayrshire Council.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: "I'm pleased to welcome the LEADER programme and am confident it will encourage innovative and sustainable projects that will be of direct benefit to rural communities. Our hard work in securing this money has borne fruit and South Ayrshire Council will maintain it's commitment to creating opportunities for all those who live in rural areas."

Chair of South Ayrshire Council's Rural Panel, Alec Oattes said: "I would encourage anyone with an interest in expanding, developing or creating a project that would benefit their local community to come along to the local launch of this exciting funding package."

The South Ayrshire launch of LEADER will take place on:

20th November 2008, Maybole Town Hall, 7pm – 9pm.

East Ayrshire: Contact: Dave Hewet, 01563 554608

North Ayrshire: Contact: Dianna Whyte, 01294 225178