Efforts are being stepped up to promote a funding programme for small-scale community projects in parts of the Inverness and Nairn area.

The Community Economic Development programme, a fund administered by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE), has around £300,000 of European money available to support community projects in targeted areas over a two-year period. 

Rural communities across the Inverness and Nairn area have been targeted for assistance and two parts of Inverness city, Merkinch and Dalneigh, are also eligible for support. Altogether some £90,000 of CED monies have already been allocated to projects in eligible communities.

The programme, which is managed by a steering group of community representatives and local agencies, can support the planning and development of community projects, small scale community training initiatives and local environmental and heritage projects.  Funding of up to £20,000 is available for larger projects, developing local services and enhancing community infrastructure.

The CED money requires to be match funded, potentially doubling the available funding on offer, by local agencies, such as INE, The Highland Council and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Marie Mackintosh of INE, who chairs the CED Management Group, said:  "This could be a very valuable resource for some of our local communities, which can provide funding for projects that might not otherwise go ahead.  I would urge groups who have projects to discuss, to come forward and speak to us now as the funding for this programme must be committed to projects by the end of 2003.  It would be a pity if these projects missed out on this valuable support."

Advice and support in developing projects and applying for funding is also available through Karen Thomson, the CED co-ordinator, who can be contacted at INE on 01463 667243.