Dumfries & Galloway LEADER

Solway Coast, courtesy of Beth on Flickr Creative Commons

The whole of Dumfries and Galloway forms part of the LEADER area. Stranraer with a population of 10,290 is very close to the former LEADER ceiling for included settlements of 10,000. It is significantly challenged by both its remote, coastal location and the recent relocation of the ferry port further along its coast. Dumfries (population 31,360) supports a very significant hinterland and the opportunity to include it as a hub for projects provides real potential to maximise the economic links between it and those settlements which rely on it as their main service centre.

Aims and objectives

Economy

  • Enabling younger people to find employment and purpose
  • Tourism (as an economic sector alongside its role to strengthen services)
  • Arts and Culture – developing the role that arts and culture plays in the life of the region, with a view to maximising its economic contribution

Land, Coast and Marine Environments

  • Land and environment, including development of farming, forestry and natural environment assets
  • Development of fisheries sector and assets

Sustainable Settlements

  • Through locality planning (taking account of the need for joined up solutions around transport, housing and services), with a particular focus on services for older people and vulnerable groups – delivered through integrated approaches

The Dumfries and Galloway LDS will include actions that will allow individuals, communities and businesses to:

  • enhance rural services and facilities, including transport initiatives
  • enhance natural/cultural heritage, tourism and leisure
  • support food and drink initiatives (e.g. short supply chains, community food)
  • build co-operation with other LAGs in Scotland, UK and Europe
  • exchange learning and knowledge with each other, realise their potential, build opportunities for all
  • drive community action on climate change

View Dumfries & Galloway Local Development Strategy

Contact details

Photo courtesy of Beth on Flickr Creative Commons