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Highland Wildlife Park among Highlands and Islands projects to share a £2.6 million European Regional Development Fund award


By Louise Glen

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Four projects in the Highlands and Islands will share a £2.6 million European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) award.
Four projects in the Highlands and Islands will share a £2.6 million European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) award.

Highland Wildlife Park is to receive almost £1 million to help it showcase the richness and diversity of native wildlife.

The park, operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, is one of four projects in the Highlands and Islands which will share a £2.6 million European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) award to promote the outstanding scenery, wildlife and culture of the Highlands and Islands, the cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism, Fergus Ewing, announced.

The funding has been awarded through the Natural Cultural and Heritage Fund, led by NatureScot.

NatureScot has also approved funding for Archaeology Scotland to start its project for a heritage and tourism network on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, improved visitor infrastructure at sites on the Isle of Skye and a circular historic route around Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Unst.

The fund invests in projects which improve the experience of visitors exploring the region’s nature and culture, and support jobs in remote and rural areas. The funding for these four new projects is in addition to £5 million for nine projects announced in December 2019.

Mr Ewing said: “Our commitment to supporting our outstanding nature and vibrant culture in the Highlands and Islands is reflected in this latest £2.6 million European Regional Development Fund investment, which follows the £5 million funding awarded less than 18 months ago.

“We are dedicated to enhancing employment in our rural communities and developing further the experience for locals and visitors, who cherish these areas of spectacular natural interest and beauty.

“The range of projects underlines the diverse attractions we know will continue to drive job opportunities and increase visitor numbers.”

Francesca Osowska, NatureScot chief executive, said: "Nature and culture are intrinsically linked in the beautiful Highlands and Islands. They are central to local economies and help maintain rural populations, jobs and skills, especially at a time when a green recovery from the pandemic is so important. These four fantastic projects will make a real difference to rural communities for years to come, and give visitors even more to enjoy in these iconic areas of Scotland.”

The four projects receiving funding are:

Archaeology Scotland – The Real Wild West – Adopt-a-Monument and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (£306,844) - The Real Wild West project will develop a heritage and tourism network and strategy, as well as develop interpretation at important sites and locations, create a trail through west Ardnamurchan, and improve access, condition and maintenance of 10 heritage sites.

Outdoors Access Trust for Scotland, Skye’s Iconic Natural Heritage Sites - (£748,954) - There will be new interpretation, promotion and marketing on the Isle of Skye, providing improvements at Skye’s Iconic Natural Heritage Sites including the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. The project will develop infrastructure to help a wider and more diverse range of people access the sites and will provide a better visitor experience.

NatureScot, Hermaness Hill Path and Welcome Area - (£541,718) - NatureScot will install 1940m of recycled plastic boardwalk to reinstate the historic route to Muckle Flugga lighthouse signalling station at Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Unst in the Shetland Islands, creating a circular route around Hermaness National Nature Reserve, while protecting fragile blanket bog and rare nesting birds. An innovative shelter will be installed at the reserve entrance, housing interpretation to accommodate an increasing number of visitors.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre - (£980,000) - New visitor facilities at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig, to showcase the richness and diversity of native wildlife.

Funding for the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund comes from the Scottish Government’s European Regional Development Fund programme, with match funding from other sources, including charitable trusts, public and voluntary sector contributions, bringing overall investment into the 13 projects, to nearly £25million.

For more information on the awards granted in the first round, see https://www.nature.scot/ps5m-award-highlands-islands-tourism


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