Rural Support Plan (RSP) - Annex

Community Led Local Development

Further information about CLLD

Description

Grant funding to 20 Local Action Groups (LAG) to fund local projects

Purpose

Scottish Government is committed to thriving rural communities. CLLD enables a community led and place based approach to rural development with Local Action Groups determining which projects to support. CLLD supports a wide range of groups on a broad range of projects that aim to address local issues, challenges and opportunities. Funded projects often aim to improve non-statutory local services, transport, facilities and infrastructure gaps, designing and delivering local solutions, fostering innovation and collaboration and helping to build resilient, sustainable communities and vibrant local economies from the ground up.

Contribution to Strategic Outcomes

Enabling Thriving Rural Communities

• CLLD provides funding for local projects that contribute to thriving rural communities and the rural economy

Method

Application

Key dates

Annual, individual LAGs set application rounds

Eligibility

• Individual LAGs set application criteria and determine local projects to support based on contribution to the priorities set out in their Community Led Vision.
• No constraints on the type of organisation that can apply for funding
• Available Scotland wide

Requirements

• Each LAG must produce a ‘Community Led Vision’ detailing local priorities and contribution to national priorities.
• Must adhere to grant conditions including Fair Work First

Baseline payment information (2025):

Budget circa £9.3M

No. of recipients 500+ pa

Regular progress check-ins, end of year grant evaluation from each LAG area and use of ‘Social Return on Investment’ approach to measure project outcomes against the UN Sustainable Development Goals. CLLD is currently undergoing a Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review.