A historic programme to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits to Scotland's rural communities gets up and running today.

'Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities' offers farmers, foresters, businesses and community groups a share of almost £800 million to develop rural Scotland.

The programme is now open to interested parties to submit their ideas.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "This is an important day, not just for rural communities, but for the country as a whole. Farmers, foresters and environmental interests will all reap enormous benefits.

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"Rural Priorities offers businesses, farmers, foresters and other interested parties a chance to truly make a difference to rural Scotland.

"Mitigation of climate change, improving water quality and preservation of Scotland's unique biodiversity and landscapes are some of the key goals which the Scottish Government is seeking to gain from Rural Priorities.

The scheme forms part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) covering 2007-13, which differs greatly from its predecessor. It includes measures to address economic and social goals as well as environmental measures, it is the first time a rural funding package has sought to deliver a Greener Scotland and to promote a Wealthier and Fairer rural Scotland.

(GK/JM)