LEADER evaluation report published

A newly published report examines the impact of LEADER 2014-20 on rural Scotland.

The Process Evaluation of LEADER 2014-2020 report from Scottish Government's Rural & Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) assesses LEADER 2014-20's economic, social, cultural and environmental impact on rural communities.

Since the whole of the LEADER budget has not been committed to projects yet, this paper does not claim to present a comprehensive impact evaluation but rather present a snapshot of the programme as it is.

The new report analyses quantitative evidence on budgets and spending of the 21 Scottish Local Action Groups (LAGs) that are responsible for the delivery and coordination of projects. Additionally, it evaluates qualitative evidence based on focus groups. 

LEADER is a bottom-up method of delivering support  to communities for rural development. Grants are awarded by Local Action Groups to projects that support delivery of a Local Development Strategy.

The aim of LEADER is to increase support to local rural community and business networks to build knowledge and skills, and encourage innovation and cooperation in order to tackle local development objectives.

Download the report from the Scottish Government website.