Gairloch Beach to receive much needed cash boost to improve visitor facilities
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£147,000 has been allocated to improve the facilities from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).
The Highland Council and Gairloch Area Development will receive the funding to carry out the work.
The funding will be used to create new toilets and a motorhome servicing facility after the increase of popularity in the NC500 route.
The RTIF, created by the Scottish Government and managed by VisitScotland, is designed to support projects focused on visitor experience in rural Scotland.
Ross-shire MSP Maree Todd welcomed the announcement.
“I’m delighted to hear that the Highland Council and Gairloch Area Development Ltd are to receive £147,000 of funding from the RTIF to alleviate the pressures on current infrastructure due to rising visitor numbers," she said.
“This investment will deliver much-needed improvements to visitor facilities in Gairloch, whilst encouraging responsible tourism which I know will be welcomed by the wider Wester Ross community.
“Since the fund’s inception, many projects in my constituency have benefited from grant funding, including the Cludgie Project in Lochinver, Helmsdale’s public toilet refurbishment and the enhancement of five viewpoints along the stretch Lochcarron – Bealach na Ba road between Tornapress and Applecross.
“With the NC500 growing in popularity year-on-year, it’s essential that we have the infrastructure to not only support the increasing number of tourists but also minimise the negative impact on local communities.”
