Ayrshire LEADER

The area includes distinctive rural and coastal communities in East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. Over half of the population resides in East Ayrshire (52%), with the remainder split equally between North (24%) and South (24%) Ayrshire.

Ayrshire LEADER have an important update for potential applicants.

Aims and objectives 

  • Fostering Business & Enterprise - By 2020, rural Ayrshire will realise its full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for its people provided through creating or enhancing small rural enterprises, creating new jobs and increasing the skills base. Support will be directed to micro businesses, including those in tourism etc. to improve their competitiveness and/or facilitate diversification from primary production.

  • Connecting People & Places – By 2020, people living and working in rural Ayrshire will be better connected physically, digitally and socially and are able to access the amenities and services they need.

  • Promoting Tourism, Culture & Heritage – By 2020 rural Ayrshire’s people will better capitalise on the area’s cultural, historical, recreational and natural assets to improve the visitor experience, visitor numbers and spend, and local skills and employment in tourism.

  • Celebrate Our Natural Environment – By 2020, rural Ayrshire's people will have increased awareness, knowledge and enthusiasm to reap the social, economic and environmental benefits of the area’s abundant natural assets.

  • Supporting Coastal Communities – By 2020, key rural coastal communities in Ayrshire will be sustainable through diversifying their local economies with an increase in employment and skills of people living in these areas, whilst protecting the marine environment.

Contact details