The ºúÌÒÅ®Éñ and the Islands Local Action Group (LAG) are looking for new members to help distribute grant money from the Scottish Government and shape the future funding landscape in ºúÌÒÅ®Éñ and Bute. They allocate and are preparing to take decisions on over £500,000 of Community-Led Local Development funding in spring 2025/26. The LAG sets the vision plan and decides on the nature of grants, assesses applications and takes final decisions on successful projects. They also network and lobby the Scottish Government and other public bodies to improve funding to community groups. ºúÌÒÅ®Éñ supports them as the accountable body.
Membership of the LAG is voluntary and an excellent way for community groups to share their expertise, local knowledge and skills. LAG members will be asked to take tough decisions – applications for grants are always over-subscribed. The LAG is at the centre of long-term conversations about funding of the region and their position gives them an exceptional overview of community development in the region.
We would be very interested to hear from you if you represent groups working in ºúÌÒÅ®Éñ and Bute, particularly in these areas:
- Third Sector, Community and Voluntary Organisations
- The Business Community
- Younger people – either as younger people wishing to become LAG members or representatives of groups who understand and support the needs of younger people
- Organisations with experience of Community Ownership or Asset Transfer
- Groups in island or particularly remote areas of ºúÌÒÅ®Éñ and Bute
LAG members should be representatives of organisations, rather than individuals. They are expected to commit to an initial term of three years. There are around four online and two in-person meetings per year. Funding to cover travel costs is available.
Membership of the LAG would not preclude organisations from applying for funding – although they would need to adhere to conflict of interest processes.
If you are interested, please send a short statement (no more than 150 words) to CLLD@argyll-bute.gov.uk stating the purpose of your organization and what skills and experience it could bring to the LAG by the 18th of April 2025.