Businesses, farms and local communities have been urged to make applications to the north Aberdeenshire LEADER fund.

Time is running out, with the next deadline coming early in the new year.

So far, the fund has committed more than £560,000 to projects in the area.

Funding decisions are made by a local action group, with representatives from the community, private and public sectors across the region.

Chairman Duncan Leece, said: "We are particularly looking for applications in biodiversity management, sustainable travel, digital connectivity and better opportunities to come forward.

"The funding will not be available for very much longer so we are urging anyone with an idea or project proposal to come forward and speak to us

"Many people also do not realise that LEADER has funding for farm diversification projects. We have a significant amount of money ring-fenced for farm diversification."

He added: "Our next round deadline is early in the new year so we would strongly recommend that anyone thinking of applying gets in touch sooner rather than later."

Projects in north Aberdeenshire awarded funding so far include community and sports facilities and business development projects in the farm supplies, tourism and veterinary industries.