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Funding for rural projects
29/12/2008
The expansion of a popular farm deli and café enterprise, leading to the creation of new jobs and improved educational facilities, is among the 450 projects to be funded in the third round of the Rural Priorities scheme.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, today announced the distribution of £28.78 million, praising rural businesses for their innovative thinking and positive approach.
Mr Lochhead said:
"Creating strong, resilient and supportive communities is a key priority for this administration.
"We recognise the strengths of rural communities, the value of our countryside and the rural traditions which make Scotland the country that it is.
"Scotland is already feeling the effects of the turbulence affecting major economies and global markets. As a Government, we are determined to take action to promote economic resilience and recovery.
"We have identified the action we can take within our current responsibilities to support small business and ordinary households to maximise jobs and investment and ensure our economy is well positioned for recovery. Rural Priorities is a huge part of that.
"We are also re-appraising the £1.6 billion Scotland Rural Development Programme, of which Rural Priorities is part, to ensure it is providing the best possible support for the rural economy."
The £28.78 million allocated in this, the third round of Rural Priorities brings the total granted through the scheme to over £57 million in only eight months.
Rural Priorities is one of eight mechanisms to deliver the objectives of the Scotland Rural Development Programme. This is a competitive scheme which provides a wide range of opportunities for rural businesses and communities to contribute local solutions to national outcomes.
Almost 900 applications have been considered under the Rural Priorities with 800 approved. A total of £57.2 million has been granted to various projects so far - £5.9 million in August, £22.5 million in October and £28.8 million in December.
Case studies
John Sinclair of West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry, has been awarded £138,250 to further expand his existing farm deli and cafe enterprise.
The deli and café were opened in 2007 and have already outgrown their accommodation.
Fresh fruit and vegetables grown on the farm is sold in the deli and used in the café. Produce from neighbouring farms supplement supplies, help reduce food miles and provide consumer confidence in terms of traceability.
The expansion to the deli and café will create new jobs while extending the building will provide improved educational facilities for the school and community visits the farm hosts.
Almost £51,000 has been awarded to Jamie Williamson of Alvie Farm, Kingussie, to develop his woodchip production and supply business.
The funding will be used to build a storage facility and help meet increasing local demand for the product which is used in domestic and commercial heating boilers.
Over 30 hectares of native woodland will be planted at Kirkton of Mailer Farm, Perthshire, thanks to a £148,000 grant.
The woodland will assist in providing a carbon sink and aid Scotland in achieving the targets set in the new Climate Change Bill.
The new woodland will be planted next to St Magdalene's Hill woodland, improving biodiversity and the local core path network.