Developing Local Communities

Communities On the Edge is a joint initiative with neighbouring LEADER programmes to identify under-used assets of major landowners and use these to establish community based projects. Douglas and Angus Estate is working with local communities to identify needs and priority actions. Progress has already been made towards developing a community owned and managed sports facility and establishing a community garden project designed and built by local youngsters.

Coalburn One-Stop-Shop was established by Miners' welfare to enable access to employment, social, advisory and learning services. It has provided an IT learning suite, Credit Union facilities, job training, a crèche, community café, arts and crafts classes and, most recently, has taken over the operation of Post Office services.

Rural Arts and Crafts Development supports community participation in traditional arts, crafts, music and storytelling, leading to establishing sustainable groups and enterprises. Classes and taster sessions, craft fairs and an arts and crafts directory have been developed.

The Renewable Energies Fund distributes monies received from windfarm developments and assists communities to develop small-scale projects to improve the quality of rural life. LEADER+ funding increased the level of money available and provided a project assessment process that balances community aspirations and sustainability.

The Social Capital Fund was set up to provide funding for local organisations who are trying to develop new services or establish new levels of co-operation between local people. Over 30 projects and groups have been supported including Coalburn Silver Band, who needed assistance to raise awareness and recruit new members), and Central Farmers Trading Group, who were looking at ways of co-operating together to make their farms more profitable.