Efforts to regenerate an area of the Cairngorms National Park have received a significant boost with more than £2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Tomintoul and Glenlivet Landscape Partnership will now embark on a total of 20 separate projects across a four-year period.
These include a £500,000 refurbishment of the Tomintoul Museum to create a discovery centre, the restoration of woodlands on the River Avon and the creation of a history project to improve understanding of local heritage.
There will also be improvements to paths in the area and wetland habitats for wading birds will be established.
The bid to secure the £2.34million in funding was led by the Cairngorms National Park Authority and backed by numerous other bodies.
These included Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust, The Crown Estate, Moray Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the RSPB, Spey Catchment Initiative, Historic Environment Scotland and the Cairngorms Learning Partnership.
The groups have been carrying out research for the last 18 months to investigate what could be done if they were given lottery funding.
Mike Finnie, chairman of TDGT, said it would deliver “real benefit” to a “special” area.
He added: “We’re delighted to receive confirmation the landscape partnership has been awarded this funding.
“The success of this application demonstrates what can be achieved when our communities work together with the support of public agencies such as the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Highlands and Island Enterprise and the Crown Estate.
“We’re extremely excited to be working with local people and partners to deliver real benefit to this incredibly special part of the Cairngorms National Park.”
Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, added: “The National Lottery is ensuring that Tomintoul and Glenlivet’s spectacular landscape remains one of our greatest national assets, attracting visitors and making a vital contribution to Scotland’s tourist economy.
“However it’s not just visitors who benefit.
“With a bit of clever thinking, we can protect our natural heritage in a way that helps support people and communities.
“I am sure it will also ignite a passion for our natural world and its long-term conservation.”
