£4.3m coastal communities funding allocated

Coastline - Kate Shannon/Holyrood

Regeneration projects in 18 coastal locations in Scotland are being awarded £4,3m of government funding.

The latest awards from the Coastal Communities Fund are designed to boost tourism and economic growth, the Scottish Government has said.

Dundee's Discovery Point, coastal paths at the Rhins of Galloway and whale watching projects in the Hebrides are among the recipients of the latest awards.

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Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “With more than 10,000 miles of stunning coastline in Scotland we need to do all we can to protect the marine environment that lives there and to help people living and working in these areas make the most of the economic opportunities on offer.

“This latest £4.3 million investment delivers on our commitment to supporting fishing and coastal communities and includes a range of exciting projects that will improve paths and facilities and create new opportunities to attract tourists.”

James McLuckie, vice chairman of the Colintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust in Argyll and Bute said: “We are very grateful to the Coastal Communities Fund for their support. As well as retaining direct employment this funding will help us to achieve our goal for the Cowal Way to become recognised as a World Class Multi User Tourism Path.”

Gordon Macdonald, project chair of Harris Development Limited said: “The recent award of £300,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund has completed the £1.35 million funding package required to create the Harris Marina Hub, a project which is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area through the development of marine tourism.

“The ‘hub’ will complete a chain of pontoon facilities including Stornoway, Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale and Castlebay, which will help to consolidate and enhance the reputation of the Outer Hebrides as a premium sailing and cruising destination.”