Local Action Group
The Local Action Group (LAG) is responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of the LEADER programme in Rural Perth and Kinross, including making decisions on applications for funding. The LAG represents a wide range of interests and is made up of representatives from the public, private and voluntary sector. The Rural Perth and Kinross LEADER Local Development Strategy sets out how the 2014-2020 LEADER programme will be implemented within the area. The strategy was produced in consultation with communities and businesses and explored the key needs and opportunities available to communities within Perth and Kinross, which could help to support the local economy and communities to become stronger and more resilient.
Delivery of the strategy will be achieved through the development of projects which can demonstrate strong linkages with the 2 main objectives and 4 priority areas that were identified as priorities for funding. Currently four sub groups will consider applications before recommendations are presented to the full Local Action Group. The sub groups include: Enterprise, Community Capacity, Rural Broadband and Young People
The Rural Perth and Kinross Rural Team comprise of a Co-ordinator, Project Officer and an Administrator.
The current members of the Perth & Kinross LAG include:
Jackie Brierton - LAG Chair
Sub Groups: Enterprise
Jackie is the Chair of the PK LEADER LAG. She has more than 30 years’ experience in business, social enterprise, policy development and EU Funded projects. Jackie is a member of the newly-formed National Council of Rural Advisers, which will provide advice to the Scottish Government on future policy and support for the rural economy. She is also the Enterprise Manager for GrowBiz and Vice-Chair of Women's Enterprise Scotland CIC.
LAG Accountable Body Representative & Place Development Manager, Perth and Kinross Council
John is a chartered town planner with over 30 years’ experience working in the public, private and voluntary sectors. John has a background in land use planning, city and town centre management and economic development and a focus on the delivery of physical and economic projects through the establishment of public and private partnerships and multi-disciplinary project teams. John has managed a range of Services within the Council, worked with Scottish Enterprise, undertaken freelance planning consultancy and acted as a Technical Adviser to a range of economic development, tourism and conservation Trusts. John is a fellow and former Director of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society
Dr Tom Flanagan
Director, Socient Ltd.
PKVAS Third Sector and Volunteering Hub
Caroline Warburton
Caroline is VisitScotland’s Regional Leadership Director (East). She has over 20 years of tourism experience from both the public and private sectors and has particular interest in how tourism enterprises at a local level can support local communities through collaboration.
Lisa Roberts
National Farmers' Union Scotland & NFU
Sub Group: Enterprise
‘Lisa has worked with NFU Scotland for 16 years, representing members across Scotland and currently covering Forth & Clyde Regions. She has represented NFUS on both Agricultural Business Development Scheme and Farm Business Diversifications Scheme project assessment committees. She has also successfully completed Scottish Enterprise’s Rural Leader Programme.
Gina Ford
Scottish Enterprise, Stakeholder and Partnership Executive
Sub Group:
Gina is involved in partnership working with local authorities, community planning partnerships and LEADER groups in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and parts of Tayside. She is an experienced Community Planning Officer.
Clare Cooper
ELLi (Assisted Living Technology) Ltd
Sub Group: Enterprise
Clare is a founding director of ELLi (Assisted Living Technology) Ltd. Winner of the 2017 Scottish Women in Business Innovator Award, Clare works across the fields of public health, arts, culture & heritage & tourism. She is also the founding director of the Alyth Development Trust. Alongside this she is also an independent producer of arts, culture and heritage projects, a member of @fleetcollective, co-founder and co-director of @thsscotland, co-proprietor of @vanorascottages and co-founder of Alyth Craft Tourism.
Vicki Unite
Perthshire Chamber of Commerce
Sub Group: Enterprise
Vicki is Perthshire businesswoman and Perthshire Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executive. She is an experienced data analyst with experience work with international news company Reuters and global financial services firm JP Morgan Chase.
John Gregory
Sub Group: Enterprise
John is the Company Secretary and Treasurer of the Farmer Controlled Cooperative which has 265 members and provides assistance and advice to its members.
Heather Boag
Centre for Enterprise at Perth College UHI
Sub Group: Young People
Heather is the Business Link Manager at Perth College UHI - Centre for Enterprise and has over 20 years' experience of providing an exceptionally high level of customer services in a variety of large national and international organisations as well as working for SMEs and herself.
Andrew Burnett
Elevator / Business Gateway Services
Sub Group: Enterprise
Andrew has been the Director of Operations for 13 years at Elevator, a not for profit distribution private business with a keen eye on re-investing within our local communities.
Iain Matheson - LAG Vice Chair
Luncarty, Redgorton & Moneydie Community Council
Sub Group: Community Capacity
Iain joins the group following a long career involving agriculture, fisheries, crofting and rural development and policies, European Funding throughout Scotland and he played a key role in the previous Ayrshire LEADER funding rural communities development and the Intereg IVA programme.
David Smythe MBE
Perthshire Tourism Partnership
Sub Group: Enterprise
David is Chairman of the Perthshire Tourism Partnership and a small farmer, now heavily involved in the tourism world through running on-farm self-catering cottages and the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers. He enjoys the challenge of representing and promoting tourism, especially the self-catering sector, in Scotland.
Lorna Watson.
Interface
Sub Groups: Enterprise & Young People
Lorna is the Business Engagement Executive covering Tayside. Lorna graduated from Heriot Watt University with a BA in Business Management. Lorna’s previous role was as a Business Adviser with Business Gateway assisting start up and growth businesses and facilitating Women into Business events.
Denise Jackson MBE
Auchterarder Community Sports Association and Rotary.
Sub Group: Community Capacity & Young People
Denise is currently the 37 President for Auchterarder & District Rotary Club. She is also the Chair of the Auchterarder Community Sports Association which aims to promote sport and active recreation within the local area. Prior to this she founded Auchterarder Gymnastics Club and remained the Head Coach until 2008.
If you would like to be considered for a place on the Local Action Group please complete the LAG request form.
The Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Team
Sharon Rice-Jones
Rural Perth and Kinross LEADER Co-ordinator
Tel: 01738 476517
Mob: 07500 918060
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Laura Martin
Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Finance Claims and Admin Officer
Tel: 01738 475240
Mob: 07766133744
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Anna Block
Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Finance and Admin Officer
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Our postal address is:
Perth & Kinross Council
The Environment Service
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street
Perth
PH1 5GD
