Orkney communities urged to apply to rural tourism fund

Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd is calling on local groups in Orkney to apply to the Scottish Government’s new £6m Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund that is now open for applications.

The Scottish Government announced the fund in response to increasing visitor numbers across rural Scotland and in order to help provide the services and facilities that are needed to improve visitor experiences.

The new fund will support a wide range of improvement projects — such as parking, camping facilities, recycling points and footpath access, in areas such as the North Coast 500 route as well as at Historic Environment Scotland sites.

Commenting, SNP MSP Maree Todd said:“The tourist industry is vital to Orkney’s economy, which attracts visitors from all over the world each year.

“The new £6m Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund can help improve the visitor experience for the increasing number people visiting the Islands and alleviate pressure on transport, services and facilities across rural Scotland.

“This support for infrastructure will enable even more people to enjoy this most beautiful country in the world and is an example of the SNP Scottish Government listening to and responding to the needs of rural Scotland.

“I am delighted that The Culture Secretary has already announced that a project in Orkney will be among the first the benefit from the fund. I encourage other local groups that would like to bid for this funding to get their applications in now to avoid disappointment.”