LEADER is a European Union fund aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas. There are 21 LEADER programmes operating across Scotland, each managed by a Local Action Group (LAG). LEADER programmes use a partnership based approach which gives better identification of local needs within the rural development context and can help to propose local solutions. The Kelvin Val
ley & Falkirk 2014-2020 LEADER Programme operates across parts of rural Falkirk, North Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire. The eligible area includes the settlements of Croy, Kilsyth, Twechar, Torrance, Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie, Kirkintilloch (north of the Canal only), Banknock, Baldernock, Dennyloanhead, Bonnybridge, Denny, Fankerton, Dunipace, Airth, Slamannan, Shieldhill, Avonbridge and Whitecross. The programme is governed by a Local Development Strategy (LDS) which has three key themes under which the LAG will award funding:
Theme 1: Heritage, Tourism and Leisure
Theme 2: Community Services and Facilities
Theme 3: Local Business and Employment
