Four Aberdeenshire projects have received funding worth almost £55,000 in the final round of grants from the Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Programme (2007-2013).

LEADER, which is administered locally by the Rural Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (LAG), is a rural development funding programme financed by the European Commission and the Scottish Government.

The LAG committee supported the new projects in Round 17 of the programme, bringing the total number of Aberdeenshire LEADER funds committed so far to £4.7m.

The money has helped more than 140 local projects since 2008.

For Round 17, there was a maximum project ceiling of £20,000 due to the limited level of LEADER money available under the current programme.

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The grants were awarded to four very different projects, including the construction of a new apiary at Crathes Castle by Aberdeen and District Bee Keepers Association and an all-weather sports surface at New Deer by New Deer Community Association.

Funding was also set aside towards the construction of a modern fit-for-purpose storage shed for Aboyne Highland Games, as well as to the North East Scotland Biological Records Centre (NESBReC) to help with the creation of a mammal recording project with communities and children.

Chair of the Local Action Group, Belinda Miller, said: "I'm delighted Aberdeenshire LEADER has been able to support such a wide range of rural community projects across Aberdeenshire.

"Some of the projects are also supported by Aberdeenshire Council, which is most welcome as it means these projects should be able to get underway quickly.

"The successful Round 17 applications help deliver Aberdeenshire LEADER's strategic priorities of revitalising communities and a progressive rural economy, as well as aligning with Aberdeenshire Community Planning priorities."

(JP/CD)