Boost for RSPB Orkney project

A project to encourage people to learn about and explore the natural heritage of Orkney has been awarded more than £300,000 of European money.

The RSPB Scotland Enjoy Wild Orkney project will put in place measures to promote the islands as a wildlife tourism destination to the UK and global marketplace – helping to benefit the local economy, generate income for local businesses and improve the tourism experience on the islands.

A grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will allow locals and visitors to Orkney to take part in field teaching sessions with specialist educational staff, enjoy an annual nature festival, visit wildlife viewing hides and look at updated interpretation.

This is the first tranche of money for the proposal, and it is hoped that match funding will also be awarded in the New Year from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The total value of the project is more than £800,000, lasting three years from April 2012.