Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities

Posted on 15 January 2009

Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities (RDC-RP) are part of the suite of grants known as the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).  They are tailored to regional objectives identified and agreed with local stakeholders.

The key outcomes must contribute to:

• Improved business viability and competitiveness.
• Improved water quality.
• Adaptation to, and mitigation of, climate change.
• Protection and enhancement of biodiversity and landscapes.
• Sustainable rural communities.

Rural Priorities will be delivered through 'packages' of options tailored to achieving specific outcomes, representing numerous opportunities for land managers and rural businesses. Successful applicants will receive a higher level of funding, though crucially, rural priorities funding is awarded through a competitive bid system.

For some land uses, particularly forestry, they are the main source of grant funding, whilst, for other sectors, they provide an opportunity to fund strategic projects, providing scope for diversification and environmental management.

The application process, in two stages, is considered to be rather complex, and at least in part, has to be completed on line. Firstly, applicants must complete an online Statement of Intent (SoI), which registers an applicant’s interest in the funding and provides an outline of the proposal.  Depending on the feedback from the submission, a full proposal will then have to be developed.  Proposals will be judged on how they deliver the stated regional priority.

At Bowlts we have a wealth of experience and have the expertise in the relevant disciplines to assist a prospective applicant.  Our team have successfully delivered RDC-RP's for clients, and we would be happy to assist in any aspect of the application process.