Councils in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire are seeking 'Rural Champions' for a new action group to inform future rural development.

Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) stretches 30 miles of rural land and communities across the three local authorities.

Now, the Economic Development teams at the three councils are looking for volunteers to form a Local Action Group (LAG) and champion thriving rural communities across the area.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council's convener of environment and regeneration, said: "This is a unique opportunity for people from across Inverclyde and Greater Renfrewshire to be at the forefront of the rural development and regeneration of the area.

"We have wonderful rural locations and it's important that anyone with a vested interest has their say on what matters most to them. 

"It's also an opportunity for like-minded people to share their ideas and explore what economic opportunities are available to help grow and develop our rural economy.

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"Now is the chance for anyone who is involved or interested in our rural communities to get directly involved in shaping the future of rural development and regeneration and I encourage as many people as possible to come forward and support the new Local Action Group."

Around 94,000 people live across the area which includes: Eaglesham, Neilston and Uplawmoor in East Renfrewshire; the many villages in Renfrewshire and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park; and Gourock, Inverkip, Kilmacolm, Quarrier's Village and Wemyss Bay in Inverclyde.

There are excellent economic opportunities in farming, forestry and renewable energy, carbon sequestration, outdoor leisure activity, tourism and village development.

Group members will be able to pool their skills and experience to develop a community-led vision and help generate ideas and co-produce projects which benefit people in rural communities across the three council areas.

Council staff will be on hand to support the group as they implement national priorities such as tackling rural poverty, achieving net zero and recovering from the economic and social impact of the pandemic.

A diverse group of people with a great mix of skills and be as diverse are being sought to ensure the group is fully representative of the communities it serves.

This includes young people, those who have experience of disability or disadvantage and individuals with experience in business or in project development.

Anyone interested can email [email protected] with the subject 'LAG Membership' to find out more and ask for an application pack.

Applications close on Friday 9 December 2022 and the new group will be confirmed by early 2023.