NC500 Gairloch and Glen Affric among projects set for £2.6m funding boost

Eleven projects across Scotland have been accepted for the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) to improve facilities as part of Scotland’s drive for sustainable tourism.

Round four of the funding sees successful funding applications for initiatives such as the Grandtully Visitor Management Project, which will receive £375,000 to tackle visitor management pressures on the River Tay. The funding will go towards the creation of an additional 40 car park spaces with 17 toilets, improved interpretation signage, camping facilities and installation of six EV charging points plus e-bike charging points and facilities.

Meanwhile, £147,354 will go toward the creation of toilets and motorhome facilities at the main beach car park in Gairloch, to cater for the increasing numbers of visitors to the area using the North Coast 500 route.

Glen Affric is also earmarked for £228,200 towards parking and visitor facilities. The project will increase the parking capacity at Dog Falls car park for larger vehicles, replace the ageing toilet, restore and upgrade the bridge and improve cycle infrastructure, including four e-bike charge points.