A NEW TOURISM initiative announced this week by the Scottish Government should be seen as an ideal opportunity by Moray groups with an interest in the industry.

That is the view of Richard Lochhead MSP who is highlighting the new £6million Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

The Scottish Government announced the fund in response to the tourism boom across rural Scotland, saying that the money will be invested over the course of the next two years to help ensure the services and facilities tourists and communities need are provided.

The new fund will support a wide range of improvement projects – such as parking, camping facilities, recycling points and footpath access, in areas such as the North Coast 500 route as well as at Historic Environment Scotland sites.

Commenting, Moray’s MSP said: “The tourist industry is vital to the Moray economy, which attracts visitors from all over the world each year.

“The new £6m Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund will help cater to the very welcome increasing tourist numbers in Moray and help alleviate pressure on transport, services and facilities. This support for infrastructure will enable even more people to enjoy this beautiful part of the world and is an example of the SNP Scottish Government listening to and responding to the needs of rural Scotland.

“Local groups in Moray that would like to bid for this funding can get in touch with me if they need any advice.”