Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: Scottish Rural Network, Scottish Rural Action and Community Led Local Development review report

Appendix B: Evolution of LEADER and Community Led Local Development

LEADER I (1991-93)

• € 1.2Bn European pilot; limited geographic coverage focused on deprived areas; six Local Action Groups in Scotland
• Promoting rural tourism a key focus and innovation encouraged

LEADER II (1994-99)

• € 5.4Bn across Europe; expanded coverage to 50% of EU rural areas, focus on deprived areas;14 Local Action Groups in Scotland
• Networking and learning emphasised with more focus on innovation

LEADER+ (2000-06)

• € 5.1Bn across Europe; part of Pillar II Common Agricultural Policy 13 Local Action Groups in Scotland
• Focus on new knowledge, added value and improved quality of life

LEADER Axis (2007-13)

• € 8.9Bn across Europe; LEADER mainstreamed into Rural Development Plan; 20 Local Action Groups and 11 Fisheries groups in Scotland
• Increased flexibility in balance of priorities

LEADER (2014-20)

• € 9.8Bn across Europe; £82m allocated in Scotland; 21 Local Action Groups and 11 Fisheries groups in Scotland
• Emphasis on innovation

Community Led Local Development (2021-22)

• £3.5m for Rural Communities Testing Change and Rural Communities Ideas into Action; 21 Local Action Groups in Scotland, and Inspiring Scotland
• Emphasis on testing change, closure of LEADER in December 2021

Community Led Local Development (2022-23)

• Community Led Local Development re-established as a wholly domestically funded programme
• £11.6m budget, RCTC (renamed to RCIA) funds continue

Community Led Local Development (2023-26)

• Community Led Local Development consolidated and maturing
• 2023-2024 £9.6m allocated to 20 Local Action Groups, £900k for cooperation, RCIA discontinued
• 2024-2025 £11.2m
• 2025-2026 £8.8m