Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar welcomes the announcement from Scottish Government awarding £243,000 from the RTIF, matching the Comhairle’s commitment to funding of up to £300,000 to develop tourism infrastructure in the Outer Hebrides.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, in collaboration with the local industry and community organisations, submitted the application to Visit Scotland in order to secure the maximum amount possible from this scheme for the area. Projects supported were focused on recognised “needs” where there were particular problems identified. A further round of RTIF has been announced by Scottish Government.
The fund was introduced in order to improve the visitor experiences in rural parts of Scotland that have experienced pressure on their infrastructure or negative impacts on communities due to significant increases in visitor numbers.
Projects that will be supported in this first round of RTIF funding include:
- Camper Van facilities
- Car & bus parking/Scenic laybys
- Recycling banks
- Improved Signage
Cllr Donald Crichton welcomes this announcement and has said:
“I welcome this announcement from Scottish Government investing £243,000 and ‘am pleased the Comhairle has taken the lead role in securing this additional investment in our tourism infrastructure. The Comhairle, having earlier this year committed to investing up to £300,000 in our tourism related infrastructure, sees the value in this sector. Tourism is a vital part of our island economy, providing valuable jobs across sectors such as food and drink, construction and transportation. This investment by the Comhairle and Scottish Government will help ensure that the industry develops sustainably to help ensure its continued success”