HLF investing in Scotland's rural communities

HLF investing in Scotland's rural communities

Staffin Primary School pupils during an archaeological dig
Staffin Primary School pupils during an archaeological dig
Communities in the Cairngorms and the Isle of Skye are celebrating £2.85million of HLF support which will see their natural landscapes and biodiversity protected for future generations to enjoy.

Cairngorm celebrations

Thanks to a £2.34m grant from HLF, the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Landscape Partnership will rejuvenate, celebrate and protect this distinct landscape and its colourful history. More visitors will be encouraged to the area to help sustain fragile hamlets and villages, communities like Tomintoul - the ‘Highest Village in the Highlands’.

Part of the Cairngorms National Park, 20 projects are planned over a four-year period with the youngest to the oldest members of the communities getting the chance to become involved in learning new skills uncovering hidden history and celebrating their heritage through music and events.     

The Skye’s the limit

The tourist economy on the remote Staffin peninsula on the Isle of Skye is also being helped by players of the National Lottery. Scotland’s first ever Ecomuseum, which is a pioneering community-led initiative, will be extended and improved thanks to an HLF grant of £522,100.

[quote=Lucy Casot, Head of HLF Scotland]"The National Lottery is ensuring that Scotland’s spectacular landscape remains one of our greatest national assets."[/quote]

The Ecomuseum, known by its Gaelic name ‘Ceumannan’ which means footsteps, is this remote community’s answer to preserving its fragile natural environment while managing and interpreting it for an ever-increasing number of visitors.  It is a museum with no walls or roof – the spectacular coastal cliffs, grassy platforms and lochans provide the setting for the exhibits which are all features of the landscape across 13 different locations.

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment Roseanna Cunningham said: “It’s great to see this investment in and support for Scotland’s landscapes. Our landscapes are iconic and will provide a magnificent backdrop for these projects that will encourage people to explore Scotland’s spectacular outdoors, protect our biodiversity, benefit rural communities and encourage visitors from home and abroad.”

Investing in Scotland's natural heritage

This summer HLF celebrated a total investment of £100m in projects which conserve Scotland’s landscape and biodiversity, from the Flows of Caithness to the valleys of the Tweed.

Lucy Casot, Head of HLF Scotland, said: “The National Lottery is ensuring that Scotland’s spectacular landscape remains one of our greatest national assets, attracting visitors and making a vital contribution to Scotland’s tourist economy.”

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