Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) has appointed a co-ordinator on behalf of the Western Isles, Skye & Lochalsh LEADER+ programme to oversee the management of the programme, which is being administered locally by the development agency.

Rona Macleod from Parkend on Lewis took the reins of the European-funded initiative earlier this month.  LEADER+ is a European Union programme and is the third programme following on from LEADER I and LEADER II and will run until 2006.

The programme and local match funding is worth over £6million and aims to enhance the area's natural and cultural heritage and reinforce the economic environment in order to contribute to job creation.  LEADER+ also aims to help improve the organisation abilities of communities.

Most specifically, LEADER+ funds are aimed at taking a more innovative, pilot based approach to development in the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh.  To reflect this, the local programme has a theme of "the use of new know-how and new technologies to make the products and services of rural areas more competitive".

Rona was already working as a skills development officer for WIE when she was appointed to the post of LEADER+ co-ordinator.  Prior to that Rona was involved in marketing the Modern Apprenticeship scheme and also worked as a tourism training officer.
 
Commenting on her new post, Rona said: "I am delighted to have been appointed as co-ordinator of the LEADER+ programme for the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh and look forward to the challenge of working together with community organisations on innovative projects which seek to develop and enhance the area."

"LEADER+ can be of great benefit to many groups, and I would encourage groups and individuals to come forward with any project ideas which fit the LEADER+ theme."

To oversee the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh LEADER+ programme in the SALE area is Claire Hannah.  She has been employed as a field officer and is based at SALE's offices in Portree.

More information on the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh LEADER+ programme can be found at www.wisl.org.uk