Rural champions wanted for new action group

People passionate about rural communities in Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde are being sought for an action group.

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.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people who care about their communities to come together and be at the forefront of decision making for rural development and regeneration,” explains Renfrewshire Council Senior Economic Development Officer Keren Ferguson.

She adds: “Group members will 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.”

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

Keren says: “Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde has great rural communities already and the local action group will strengthen them even further by ensuring they remain resilient and benefit from new funding opportunities.

“Our staff team will be there 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.

“We want the group to have a great mix of skills and be as diverse as possible, so they are fully representative of their communities.

“We’re particularly keen to hear from young people, people who have experience of disability or disadvantage and from people with experience in business or in project development.

“Most importantly, we want to hear from people who are resourceful and creative and passionate about helping rural communities to thrive.”

Anyone interested can email econdev@renfrewshire.gov.uk 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.