About LEADER

‘LEADER’ is a French acronym which translates as ‘links between actions for the development of the rural economy’.  

LEADER was introduced as a Community Initiative financed under the EU Structural Funds. This is the fourth generation of LEADER: LEADER I was launched in 1991, followed by LEADER II in 1994 and Leader+ in 2000.    

The main concept behind the Leader approach is that, given the diversity of European rural areas, development strategies are more effective and efficient if decided and implemented at local level by local people.  

Seven criteria make up the LEADER approach:

• 1. Area based approach
• 2. ‘Bottom up’ approach
• 3. Partnership approach and Local Action Group (LAG).
• 4. Innovation
• 5. Integration
• 6. Networking
• 7. Local financing and management.

These criteria indicate ‘how’ to proceed with a Leader Programme, rather than ‘what’ needs to be done.  ‘What’ needs to be done comes through locally.  

The Scottish Borders LEADER 2007 – 2013 Programme

Main Themes

Following widespread consultation, the Scottish Borders LEADER Local Action Group has chosen to adopt the following two main themes for the LEADER Programme:

• Progressive Rural Economy
• Revitalising Rural Communities

Innovation Areas

In order to join up the activities supported by the LEADER Programme, all eligible activities are clustered into six ‘innovation areas’ within these two themes:

 Progressive Rural Economy 

• Diverse and Sustainable Rural Businesses
• Inclusive Rural Economy
• Distinctive Local Products.

Revitalising Rural Communities 

• Enhanced Natural, Built and Cultural Environment
• Cohesive and Sustainable Rural Communities
• Innovative and Integrated Community Services.

Suggestions of the types of activities which would fall into these categories are available.

Scottish Borders LEADER Local Action Group

The LEADER Local Action Group has overall responsibility for the delivery of the LEADER Programme in the Scottish Borders. This group consists of 25 local partners that represent a wide range of rural community, business, public sector and environmental interests. The group is responsible for the development and implementation of the LEADER Programme Strategy and Business Plan and for programme level monitoring.

The LEADER Decision Making Group undertake the key day-to-day decisions and aim to ensure integration of ideas and projects coming forward for LEADER funding. They assess project applications, add value to projects where possible, and monitor the financial and output progress of the Programme.