Global Network of National Geoparks

Cash offered to develop Highland land

Source :http://www.globalgeopark.org Source: ross-shirejournal Published :August 27, 2008





HIGHLAND Council has been offered £4.5 million in funding which will transform vacant and derelict land in the area, Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell said today.

The fund is intended to create jobs, promote sustainable environmental policies, improve the quality of life for communities in the Highlands and stimulate economic growth.


The award is subject to a delivery plan from Highland Council, detailing how it intends to spend the funding.

There are about 10,000 hectares of vacant and derelict land across Scotland, of which over a third has been unused for at least 20 years.


Mr Maxwell said: "This fund has the potential to enrich Highland communities, by bringing back into use land that has lain derelict for many years.

"It will be for the local authority to agree its priorities, but the Government believes that this investment has the potential to kick-start significant economic development.

"The Vacant and Derelict Land Fund is making a full contribution towards our goal of increased sustainable economic growth across Scotland."