LEADER fund supports Destination Orkney post

Orkney's LEADER fund is to support the establishment of a Chief Executive post to lead the newly formed Destination Orkney partnership.

The Destination Orkney partnership aims to responsibly boost tourism in the islands and is being formed by the Orkney Tourism Group (now known as Destination Orkney), Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Visit Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.

A recruitment drive for the post is being launched this week.

You can read more about the formation of Destination Orkney here https://www.visitorkney.com/news/destination-orkney

LEADER is part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme which funds economic, environmental and social measures for the benefit of rural Scotland.

Orkney’s £2.5m LEADER programme offers funding for projects that are led by the local community or are in the local community’s interest, with the aim to provide economic and community development within Orkney.

Francesca Couperwhite is Chair of the LEADER local action group. She said. “This is an excellent example of the public and private sectors working collaboratively to access LEADER funds to benefit the tourism industry in Orkney and of the range of projects that our LEADER fund supports.”

The programme remains open to applicants with Round 8 closing on 21 February 2018. There are likely to be a limited number of funding rounds following this, with funds steadily becoming committed and the requirement to have awarded all funds by March 2019.

For more information on the programme visit the Orkney LEADER website. You can also contact the Orkney LEADER team direct at Orkney Islands Council on 01856873535 extension 2811.