NEW FUNDING FOR FOOD AND DRINK

Forth Valley & Lomond LEADER has secured £50,000 from the Scottish Government to help rural food and drink businesses adapt and recover from the impact of Covid-19.

Grants of up to £1000 are available to eligible local food and drink businesses to help them adapt their operations ahead of re-opening at the end of April, from making small changes to their premises to developing their online presence.

LEADER Local Action Group Chair Douglas Johnston said: “The aim of the scheme is to help rural food and drink businesses get back on their feet and re-open in a safe and socially distant way. Funds can be used to implement a range of risk mitigating measures, from Covid-19 training for staff to the construction of outdoor covered seating areas.”

The fund will be administered by Forth Valley Food and Drink, a local network established in 2020 to support and promote the region’s rich local larder.

Network coordinator Carolyn McGill said: “We’re heartened to have a date for the re-opening of hospitality after an extremely challenging winter for the sector. The fund is a welcome boost and will help hard hit businesses across rural Forth Valley adapt their practices and premises ahead of re-opening, keeping both staff and customers safe.”

To check whether your business is eligible and to request an application form, please email hello@forthvalleyfoodanddrink.org

The fund will open for applications on 6 April, with the first round closing at 5pm on 15 April 2021.