The Scottish Borders Local Action Group (LAG) funded 28 projects in 2023/24, with these projects achieving the highest social impact per pound of investment in rural Scotland, a new report has found
The LAG aims to improve life in the Scottish Borders using Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding allocated by the Scottish Government to support community and business projects.
The LAG is made up of local people and organisations from the private, public and third sectors and in 2023/24 supported projects across three key areas - net zero initiatives, poverty alleviation and social inclusion – with funds totalling over £392,000.
A legacy report on the funding has been submitted to the Scottish Government while a separate independent evaluation report on the 2023/24 programme has concluded that the local projects collectively had the highest social impact per pound invested anywhere in rural Scotland. The region also achieved the highest social impact for individual projects nationally.
Hans Waltl, Chair of the LAG
“These results reflect the quality of the applications considered by the LAG over the last financial year.
“The positive impact of the funding awarded is testament to our community groups and businesses that have developed their ideas and then delivered their projects.
“I hope that their successes spur other groups and communities to follow their lead and help to improve the lives of our residents through community-led projects and innovations.”
Successful applicants
An example of a project supported by the fund is Go Wild Scotland, which received £19,855.67 to develop community wildlife initiatives, educate children about climate change, and promote environmental awareness. The project has engaged hundreds of students across schools in Selkirk, Galashiels, Melrose, and Hawick.
The Hike and Bike Hub received £4,550.00 to promote walking and cycling for active travel, health, and leisure, while offering accessible services through a "pay what you can" model to support community engagement and inclusion. The hub raises awareness of autism and neurodiversity, combats social isolation, and improves wellbeing through group activities.
In addition to supporting community-based projects, the LAG also provided £61,000 in funding to the Youth LAG, empowering young people across the region.
This focused effort has had a meaningful impact on communities across the Borders, promoting sustainability, tackling key social issues, and empowering the next generation to lead positive change.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders
"We know that with so many funding options available at both local and national levels, it can be confusing for community groups to find the right support for their projects. SBC continues to successfully secure national funding through programs like the Shared Prosperity Fund and CLLD to help local projects.
In refence to the updated Expression of Interest process he added “The new process will guide groups to the right application forms and offer support where needed, helping them submit strong applications and hopefully increase their chances of success.”
To apply
Scottish Borders Council manages the Community Led Local Development funding on behalf of the LAG. Local organisations and community groups that are looking for grant funding to support potential projects over the next few years are encouraged to submit an expression of interest form.
This streamlined process aims to increase and support access to all available grant funding. Once expressions of interest are submitted these will be reviewed and then groups contacted and provided with advice on potential funding routes and assistance to complete additional specific application forms where these are required.
Find out more information on funding available through the LAG..