Aberdeenshire Council has unveiled a £6.1million pot of cash to fund community projects in the region over the next five years.
The new Leader Rural Development programme – backed by EU and Scottish Government money – will invest in community-led schemes across the region.
Previous examples of funded projects include Strichen’s Ritchie Hall, which was granted £85,000 for refurbishment, and Aboyne mountain bike park, which landed £28,000 of Leader cash.
In total, almost £4million has been allocated to more than 140 projects since Leader Rural Development was launched in 2008.
The new fund will be split across two areas – with £3.3million being allocated to north Aberdeenshire for projects in Banff and Buchan, Buchan and Formartine.
A further £2.8million will be distributed in the south, in the Garioch, Marr and Kincardine and Mearns areas.
Last night Duncan Leece, chairman of the north action group, encouraged community groups and businesses to get involved and find out how to apply for funding.
He added: “Communities have put a lot of work into identifying the priorities for our area and our allocation of £3.3 million of EU and Scottish Government funds can achieve a lot for North Aberdeenshire.”
Liam Smyth, chairman of the south action group, added the £2.8million would give communities and rural groups the chance to “develop opportunities”.
All the funding will be allocated by an independent action group, made up of representatives from local businesses, the public sector, and charity and voluntary organisations.
Three sessions have been arranged for anyone wishing to find out more about the scheme.
On November 17, there will be launch events at the Station Hotel in Stonehaven, from 7pm-8.30pm and Turriff’s Baden Powell Centre from 1pm-4pm.
The next day, members of the action groups will be at Tullynessle Hall, Alford on November 18 from 2pm-4pm to answer any questions.