This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Empowerment of rural communities
18/02/2003
Local people have to be at the forefront of improving
communities across rural Scotland, the Local Rural
Partnership conference in Pitlochry was told today.
In a message to more than 100 delegates who are
assessing work being undertaken to empower rural
communities Deputy Rural Development Minister Allan Wilson
said:
"Community empowerment is crucial to development of
Scotland's rural communities. Local people need to be
involved in the regeneration of their areas, helping shape
local service delivery.
"The Executive is keen to support this work. Over the
past year, we have allocated over £2.8 million, to rural
projects and community capacity-building iniatives across
rural Scotland through the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund.
We will shortly announce funding for the next round of
grants from this Fund.
"I regret that Parliamentary duties prevent me from
attending today. Nevertheless, I am sure that the
discussions will help to provide some creative solutions to
the challenges we face in empowering rural
communities."
The annual conference is organised by the Scottish
National Rural Partnership (SNRP). SNRP is an advisory
body to Ministers on rural issues, comprising
representatives from the following organisations:
Scottish Executive
Confederation of British Industry Scotland
Communities Scotland
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
Federation of Small Businesses
Forestry Commission
Highlands & Islands Enterprise
National Farmers Union Scotland
Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations
Scottish Crofting Foundation
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Environment LINK
Scottish Landowners Federation
Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Trades Union Congress
The Scottish Agricultural College
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