Jim Hume MSP for South of Scotland will launch a joint rural-funding programme on behalf of East Lothian and Midlothian Councils at Carberry Tower on Tuesday 13 May.

The Tyne Esk Leader programme recently received £2.23 million from the Scottish Government and European Union to fund rural projects from 2008 to 2013. The Local Action Group (LAG), which approves applications, will look for innovative projects which revitalise communities.

Mr Hume, who is Liberal Democrat spokesman on the environment, said: “I had a rural upbringing so I am interested in economic development and the environment and I am confident the Leader Programme will help promote rural sustainability.” Mr Hume is also a member of the Scottish Parliament's Audit Committee.

ENDS

Editors
The press are invited to attend the launch from 5.30 pm (see agenda below) on Tuesday 13 May at The Mansion House, Carberry Tower, Musselburgh EH21 8PY.

• 5:30pm Refreshments
• 6:30pm Welcome
  Archie Pacey, Tyne Esk LEADER+ Local Action Group Chairman
• 6:40pm Celebration of Leader+ Programme
  Presentation from Leader+ Projects
  Meat In The Middle, Action 1 Project
  Rural Tourism Twinning, Action 2 Project
• 7:00pm SRDP and Rural Funding Iain Matheson, LEADER Team, Scottish Government
• 7:15pm Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) & Rural Development Contracts (RDCs)
  Iain Rennick, Forth RPAC Chairman, SNH
• 7:30pm Tyne Esk LEADER
  Susan Smith, Economic Development Manager, East Lothian Council
• 7:45pm Launch of Tyne Esk LEADER Programme
  Jim Hume, South of Scotland MSP
• 8pm Close
  Allison Cosgrove, Tyne Esk LEADER+ Local Action Group Vice Chair

Issued by Rob Sinclair, Corporate Communications, 8 May, 2008
T. 01620 827741 M. 07887675547
email rsinclair@eastlothian.gov.uk