More cash for multi-million tourism infrastructure pot welcomed by Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes; nearly £3m already spent in her constituency; news announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
MOVES to extend a rural infrastructure fund, which has seen millions of pounds spent to improve facilities at Highland tourist spots, have been welcomed by a strath MSP.
Kate Forbes, who represents Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, was speaking after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that the Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) will have £3m worth of extra funding and is to be extended to 2020/21.
The fund has helped to develop and maintain key infrastructure and facilities at Highland tourist hotspots, and almost half of the original £6m package of funding has been allocated to projects in Ms Forbes constituency.
These have included the Fairy Pools, Neist Point and the Old Man of Storr on Skye, Glenfinnan, Glen Nevis and Mallaig/Morar in Lochaber, Glenmore near Loch Morlich, the Isle of Eigg and Cromarty on the Black Isle.
Yesterday Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the news as she announced the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government for the upcoming year.
Ms Forbes said: “The Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund has been an invaluable resource for communities in my constituency and I am delighted that it has been extended again.
“The RTIF was first created to meet the very problems highlighted by my constituents, and it has certainly helped do so. In places right across my constituency from Glenfinnan to Cromarty, the RTIF has truly empowered communities to solve local problems.
“The rapid increase in tourism in rural areas inevitably put pressure on parking, toileting and camper van facilities and RTIF has targeted funding at the places that need it most.
“I am particularly pleased that so much of this funding has gone to places in my constituency and I hope to see even more out of this new tranche continuing to relieve pressures.”
