Key message for 2021 is ‘spend local’ as projects based in Inverness, Nairn, Wick, Ullapool and Dornoch benefit from a share of a £1 million Scotland Loves Local Fund

Projects in Inverness and the rest of the Highlands have benefited from a share of a £1 million Scotland Loves Local Fund.

The Scottish Government-funded grants are aimed at improving towns and promoting them as better places to live.

As well as the Highland capital, projects based in Nairn, Wick, Ullapool and Dornoch have also been given funding as part of more than 200 grants awarded nationally to help communities recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Inverness BID has been given £2800 to help fund its campaign to showcase more than 100 independent businesses in the city centre.

Visit Inverness Loch Ness was also given £5000 to buy love local branding, photos and lamppost banners.

And Nairn BID received £4180 for its community partnership project which will provide updates to notice boards, new active travel maps and outdoor furniture.

The fund is being administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), as part of its work to spearhead the Scotland Loves Local campaign, which is leading the charge for people to think local first for all of their needs, to help businesses through the pandemic.

Phil Prentice, STP’s chief officer, said: “We’re delighted that this funding will bring some brilliant projects across the Highlands to life.

“Whether by supporting local businesses in person or online, money that’s spent locally stays local for longer.

“Each of these schemes will provide another reason for people to embrace local.”

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