LEADER+ is a European Community Initiative aimed at assisting rural communities in improving the quality of life and economic prosperity in their local area. LEADER+ has a grassroots approach, encouraging and supporting projects for local rural development. It is very much community-led and builds on local needs and strengths.

The South Lanarkshire Rural Partnership (SLRP) LEADER+ Local Action Group has played a major role in bringing together key public, private, community and voluntary sector organisations operating in rural South Lanarkshire. Its collective goal is to secure the economic, social, environmental and cultural well being of the area

One of the main advantages of this grassroots approach is that it has mobilised more local resources for the rural development process. This has happened because local people have a better knowledge of the opportunities available and have a greater sense of ownership and commitment to projects.

LEADER+ has played a valuable role in stimulating new and innovative approaches to the development of the rural area. It has helped to find new solutions to meet needs and has also supported the introduction of new products, processes, organisations and markets.