Moray landmark getting £80,000 upgrade
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PLUSCARDEN Abbey is to receive £80,500 for a new car park, toilets and seating area.
The landmark on the back road between Elgin and Forres has been awarded the funding from Visit Scotland as a result of increased tourist numbers.
The grant was one of 13 announced earlier today by Finoa Hyslop, the Tourism Secretary
She said: “Scotland’s breathtaking natural scenery and rich historical sites are attracting a growing number of visitors from around the world.
"While this is great for bringing jobs and investment, it can also put pressure on communities, services, transport and facilities – particularly in rural areas.
“This funding will help the tourism industry keep pace with the upsurge in interest by developing and maintaining much needed infrastructure such as new pathways, car parks and facilities at some of our most iconic rural and natural attractions, benefitting local communities and visitors alike.
"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.”
Other successful projects include:
• £273,632 to create new toilets and showers along with signage at An Laimhrig pier, Eigg
• £184,506 to enhance visitor access which will protect iconic landscapes and internationally important habitats at the Old Man of Storr on Skye.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland's regional director, said: "It is vital we support businesses and communities experiencing pinch points as we see the continued success of tourism across Moray Speyside and beyond.
"This includes looking at how we can share the tourism windfall with lesser known parts of Scotland or outwith peak times.
"The Scottish Government Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund helps the local communities improve their facilities as well as enhancing the visitor experience both for now and in the future.
"The impact of tourism goes far beyond the holiday experience. It is vital to the Scottish economy, reaching every corner of the country, creating jobs and bringing economic and social change.
"VisitScotland believes this fund is a step to ensuring that the tourism infrastructure for visitors meets current and future demand."
The full list of recipients of Visit Scotland's Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund is available here .
