Tourism

An exciting new LEADER-funded project to increase horse-riding holidays in the Scottish Borders has received the go ahead.

Funds have now been secured to employ an equestrian tourism coordinator for 2 years. They will liaise with all relevant interests including businesses and land managers to encourage cooperation, develop marketing, improve digital mapping and to support local and longer distance rides.

RSPB Scotland have announced the shortlist for their Nature of Scotland Awards 2017.

The awards find and celebrate the most dedicated and passionate people working to protect Scotland's internationally renowned wildlife and habitats.

The Scottish Seabird Centre has unveiled plans for interactive exhibits to feature in the new proposed national marine centre at North Berwick.

A marine theatre, marine laboratory and a stunning observatory are just some of the planned exhibits at the proposed centre, which aims to become a must-visit destination as well as being a high-quality facility for people who live locally.

Scotland's first oyster festival will take place in Stranraer this September.

The three-day festival will encourage visitors to celebrate the seafood heritage of Stranraer in the south west of Scotland. The catch from Scotland's only wild, native oyster fishery will be the focal point of the event, taking place from 15 to 17 September 2017.

A sculpture of a highland drover's cow, has been set on Sustrans cycle RT7 in Strathyre by the Loch Earn Tourism Information (LETi) group to celebrate Scotland's Year of History Heritage and Archaeology on the award winning BLiSS trail.

Drover's Bho by Kev Paxton of ArtFe blacksmiths is the latest addition to the regional Scottish Thistle Award winning BLiSS trail that links Balquhidder. Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans villages with eye catching art installations.

Food and drink in Scotland’s first National Park has grown to be worth £60million in the past two years.

Visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are increasingly coming to enjoy a flavour of the high quality food and drink on offer in the area. As a result the Food and Drink sector is now sustaining over 1,000 full time jobs in the National Park.

Outer Hebrides LEADER are seeking applications for their October 2017 deadline.

The Outer Hebrides LEADER 2014-2020 Programme has supported a number of projects and the Local Action Group, who manage the funds, are seeking applications from businesses and community groups who would like to introduce and develop new and innovative ideas focussing around young people, crofting diversification, renewables and new activities for visitors and locals to enjoy and experience.