£7.5 Million Iconic Landscape Conservation Boost
Three Scottish landscapes are to receive a share of £7.5 million in funding to help conservation work.
The North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme in Orkney, which covers 23 islands, will be boosted by almost £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
About £1.5 million is going to a project centred on Callander, the gateway to the Highlands and Scotland's first national park, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, including developing cultural and natural heritage and creating a cycling and walking network.
The remaining money will benefit the Galloway Glens, which has Scotland's only bat reserve and contains seven priority habitats which are home to a host of wildlife.
The awards bring HLF's total investment in land and biodiversity projects in Scotland to more than £150 million, helping to conserve key habitats, save rare species and reconnect communities with the natural heritage.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: These three large-scale landscapes are amongst the most iconic in Scotland and it is great to see that £7.5 million has been awarded to allow these important and ambitious projects to be realised.
These projects will provide job and training opportunities, benefits for local communities, as well as, the obvious benefits for the environment.''
Paul Prescott, chairman of the Callander Landscape Partnership, said: It's wonderful news for the people of Callander and gives us an opportunity to preserve and enhance our landscape heritage for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.''