Island projects receive tourism funding boost
Three Argyll island projects have been given funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).
The Hynish Trust on Tiree, RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve on Islay and Bute Forest are part of a package of 11 Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development (STID) proposals initially developed by local community groups or charities across nine of the region’s islands.
Of these three projects were approved for funding at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee.
On Tiree, in June 2024, the Hebridean Trust gifted the site to the Tiree community, and the Hynish Trust was formed to take the project forward.
The funding it receives will be used for site organisation, car park expansion and improved signs for the 19th century Hynish Lighthouse Shore Station on Tiree.
On Islay the nature reserve, which offers trails and gives habitats for a range of Hebridean birds and other wildlife, will see the car park expanded, a new arrival point and toilet facilities provided.
On Bute a new arrival point and car park plus additional facilities for the forest will be provided. The forest is owned by Bute Community Land Company, the largest community buy-out of privately owned land in Scotland.
Launched via VisitScotland, the aim of the RTIF is to help tackle pressures from increased numbers of tourists in fragile areas.
Argyll and Bute Council has, to date, successfully secured £1.98m of funding from RTIF for a number of projects, including a council-led development at Fionnphort.
VisitScotland introduced a small fund - the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development (STID) fund - to help develop projects before submission for full RTIF support where up to £35k could be awarded to each STID application.
The STID Plan is a pipeline of project proposals, many of which could start almost immediately subject to finance being available.
Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund awards for 2025-27 are available from £150,000 up to £900,000 for larger or multi-site projects.
The council’s policy lead for business development, Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, said: “Maximising our tourism offering is a top priority but we also have to remain mindful of the impact which increased numbers of visitors can have on our island communities and the local environment.
“Each of the projects in the STID Plan have grown out of extensive consultation with people and organisations within local communities and, in taking forward these three projects, we will be able to enhance and upgrade facilities at some of our most attractive island tourism areas.”
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