Highland assets could be protected by new fund
It's hoped it could provide a sustainable and lasting economic benefit.
Scottish Natural Heritage has been invited to establish a challenge fund to promote the Highlands and Islands natural and cultural heritage assets.
The European Regional Development funding will support the sustainable development of natural and cultural assets, targeting more rural parts of the region.
It promises ''sustainable and lasting local economic and social benefits'' including increased visitor numbers and spending.
Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ''Tourism is a crucial element of the Highlands and Islands economy and it contributes to shaping the innovative offerings throughout the region - some of which I had the chance to experience first-hand during this visit.
Having visited communities whose local economies are so significantly linked to tourism, it is reassuring to hear that this this fund will target those heritage assets in the more remote and rural parts of Scotland, bringing considerable social and economic benefits.
The Scottish Government will continue to do all we can to support sustainable growth in tourism, working in partnership with local communities - in Assynt, throughout the Highlands and Islands and across Scotland.''
Mike Cantlay, chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) which was invited to apply for the funding by the Scottish Government, said: ''Nature and culture are closely linked in the Highlands and Islands and in many places they are central to the local economy, maintaining rural populations, jobs and skills.
We want to make the most of new opportunities to spread those benefits to more rural communities in the coming years.
We look forward to taking the next steps when we meet with stakeholders later this month.''