Welcome Arisaig investment
Nearly £300,000 has been allocated for better toilets and car parking at Traigh near Morar Sands, close to Arisaig.
The grant of £299,460 was included in the first round of the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) announced on Friday, which will see £3 million shared among 18 projects across Scotland to help meet the demand of growing visitor numbers.
Tourism secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the funding on a visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct, which has seen an influx of visitors since featuring in the Harry Potter films.
She said: ‘The growing popularity of our stunning natural scenery and rich historical sites is great for bringing jobs and investment to our communities but can also put pressure on community services and transport – particularly in rural areas. This funding will help our industry keep up with the tourism boom by creating much-needed infrastructure, including new paths and car parks at some of our most iconic rural and natural attractions.
‘This investment is crucial so that visitors from home and abroad can continue to enjoy our fantastic landscape, culture and hospitality for years to come.’
MSP Kate Forbes added: ‘This funding will be a sea change for Mallaig, Morar and Arisaig. After numerous meetings with community representatives, I am delighted they have secured funding for new toilets. This is tremendously good news for local people who have put in a lot of time and effort make this happen. I’ve met with them multiple times to discuss their plans and this funding will be a turning point.
‘Thousands of people visit Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig every year and the community group was understandably frustrated by the lack of facilities for visitors. Their proposals for new toilets ensure they are functional as well as sustainable.’