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Infrastructure plans for Highland visitor sites including Dog Falls at Glen Affric get funding boost thanks to Scottish Government's rural tourism infrastructure fund (RTIF)


By Andrew Dixon

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Dog Falls at Glen Affric. Picture: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Dog Falls at Glen Affric. Picture: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Popular Highland visitor destinations will share just over £2.6 million in funding for projects to improve facilities as part of Scotland’s drive for sustainable tourism.

Eleven projects across the country have been recommended for approval to receive cash from round four of the rural tourism infrastructure fund (RTIF).

Sustainable tourism takes account of its impact on the community and natural surroundings, maximising the positives while minimising the negative effects.

Managed by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the RTIF was created to improve the quality of the visitor experience in rural parts of Scotland that have faced pressure on their infrastructure due to an increase in visitor numbers.

It aims to reduce the impact of visitor numbers on local communities and facilities and create a more collaborative and sustainable approach to infrastructure provision and long-term maintenance of local facilities for the benefit of communities.

Round four applications recommended for approval in the Highlansd include £228,200 for parking and visitor facilities at Glen Affric. The project will increase the parking capacity at Dog Falls car park for larger vehicles, replace the ageing toilet, restore and upgrade the bridge and improve cycle infrastructure including four e-bike charge points.

Highland Council’s communities and place committee chairman Allan Henderson said: “Glen Affric is a hugely popular visitor destination, and the funding will bring the toilet facilities up to date, enhance safety of the bridge through upgrading work and the introduction of new e-bike charge points will be a welcome addition as people continue to enjoy the outdoors and the associated mental health benefits.”

Scotland’s business and tourism minister Ivan McKee said: “This funding will help our tourism industry as it recovers by supporting the ongoing creation of much-needed infrastructure such as new car parks, charging points for vehicles and e-bike facilities at some of our most iconic rural and natural attractions.

“This investment is crucial so that visitors from home and abroad can continue to enjoy our fantastic landscape, culture and hospitality for years to come in a sustainable way.”

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “We all need to play our part in being responsible visitors and these improvement projects will ensure our visitor destinations remain sustainable for years to come. VisitScotland is committed to working with the industry and communities to create a long-lasting sustainable tourism destination which will protect the environment and benefit visitors and residents alike.”


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