A funding package has been announced to boost the economy of coastal towns and villages – with a number of Highland causes set to benefit.
Highland MP Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, revealed the £27.7million Coastal Communities Fund yesterday which will pump more than £1million into Highland and island communities.
One group to benefit is the conservation charity Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, which plans to use its £120,000 to create tourism jobs promoting sea life across the Hebrides.
Its Sea Change project will strengthen the conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises to develop the region’s appeal as destination for wildlife tourism.
Eva Varga, HWDT operations manager, said: “This Coastal Communities Fund award is fantastic news for our work with communities in the Hebrides.
“We want our Sea Change project to help local people make the most of their natural marine assets – benefiting the conservation of our world-class marine environment and bringing real economic and social benefits to the whole region.”
The Sea Change project will be carried out on Mull, Coll and Tiree, Islay and Jura, Colonsay, Barra, Small Isles (Eigg, Muck, Rum, Canna), Mallaig and Arisaig.
Another group to benefit from the fund is Transition Black Isle, which is planning to use its £123,504 grant to develop cycle tourism between Cromarty and Easter Ross.
The West Harris Trust received £150,000 to create a community enterprise centre near Horgabost.
Applecross-based The Venture Trust has picked up £121,910 to help support jobs and refurbishment works at the Hartfield House Centre, which was recently reopened as a base for adventure tourism.
One of the biggest grants has gone to Mull and Iona Community Trust, which has been given £451,282 to help provide Ulva Ferry with facilities to attract fishermen and campers.
The UK Government hopes to create 4,000 jobs and creating more than 1,000 new apprenticeships and training places across the country with the funds.
Mr Alexander also announced that bidding for the next round of the Coastal Communities Fund was now open and that bids on coastal flood protection and repair would be prioritised.
Mr Alexander said: “The Coastal Communities Fund is supporting some of the most fragile communities.
“It is a great way to make sure that people living around our coastline, across the Highlands and the UK, can share in the benefits of the increased returns for the Crown Estate’s marine activities.”