Call for Sutherland groups to take advantage of new tourism infrastructure fund
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Community groups, businesses and other organisations in Sutherland are being invited to tap into a new fund to help the North Highland carry out environmental improvements and develop a sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Established by the North Highland Initiative and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), the Community Infrastructure Support Programme (CISP) will offer grants of up to £1000 to communities in Caithness and Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty.
These grants will be accessible to organisations that have been unable to receive other government support packages and those ineligible for emergency grants.
The funding will be used to address priorities such as litter and waste capacity, environmental improvements including public toilets and motorhome waste, the creation of designated visitor parking areas and more effective signage and public information boards for visitors.
A key focus of the scheme will be supporting initiatives that can demonstrate a focus on the development of sustainable infrastructure in the region.
CISP comes following the success of the North Highland Initiative’s Community Support Scheme, set up to help local communities during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The Community Support Scheme distributed key funding to over 50 projects in the North Highlands and continues to work with communities across the region.
Applications are now open and will be considered in January. Applications will close when all of the funding has been allocated.
North Highland Initiative chairman David Whiteford said: “Earlier this year North Highland Initiative and DSRL partnered up to offer funding to businesses that hadn’t been able to benefit for government financial support or emergency loans in the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Now we are turning our attention to our environment which has never been more important. We’ve seen record numbers of visitors travel to the North Highlands this year which has highlighted the areas the need developing to support the travel industry and local communities.
"The new CISP funding is aimed to support local businesses and communities that are investing in sustainable services that will support the tourism industry and local economy. From the maintenance of private eco campsites, to designated waste disposal locations and educational materials for people visiting the area, we’re looking to hear from businesses making a real difference in their region.”
DSRL community relations manager June Love added: “We are delighted to be working with the North Highland Initiative again. Earlier this year, we worked together to fund community projects in response to the initial coronavirus outbreak and saw first-hand how small grants can make a big difference.”
CISP will not support applications from statutory organisations, individuals or projects out with the North Highland region.
Successful applications will fall into the North Highland Initiative’s primary areas of activity; food and farming, tourism and community support and leadership.
For more information about the programme, and to apply for funding, please visit www.northhighlandinitiative.co.uk/support-programme-infrastructure
