We look back on 30 years of LEADER grants and funding for development projects in rural Scotland. Anna speaks with Peter Ross, who has been involved with LEADER from its very beginning in 1991, about its grassroots partnership approach to funding, and about the hundreds of communities that have benefitted. We also hear from four different projects around Scotland that have been LEADER-funded, and ask what post-Brexit future there might be for EU-funded LEADER. Music in this episode is from 17-year old Katie Nicoll, part of LEADER-funded DD8 Music in Angus. Find her work online at https://linktr.ee/Katienicmusic.

This episode is made in partnership with the Scottish Rural Network.

LEADER-funded projects featured include:

The Smiddy, a multi-purpose Heritage and Community Hub in the Glenkens area of Galloway.

Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath, a horticulture-based project offering a range of facilities to the community of Barra and its neighbouring Islands. They grow and sell local produce whilst helping people with special needs and reducing the carbon footprint of the local area.

TrixPix Media, a multimedia production house with adjoining croft in South Uist.

Kirrie Connections, a dementia care project in Kirriemuir in Angus.

DD8 Music, a studio and youth work facility also in Kirriemuir in Angus.

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast producers Bespoken Media

All episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media