Funding Boost For Assynt Tourist Attractions

8th January 2003

Breeding herons and the history of salmon netting are being brought closer to the people thanks to Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE).

Through the Community Economic Development (CED) programme - administered by CASE - the development agency has awarded the Assynt Tourism Group £4,247. The money will go towards the installation of a CCTV system at the Culag Wood heronry which will relay live pictures to the Assynt Visitor Centre during the birds' four month breeding season.

Meanwhile the Assynt Historical Society has been given CED funds worth £2,750 to restore a disused salmon bothy and ice house at Clachtoll. The project is costing £9,400 and will provide displays and other interactive material explaining the historical role of salmon netting in the area.

The Society archive's contains a wealth of information, including photographs, relating to salmon netting at Clachtoll. The restored salmon bothy will explain to visitors the workings of this type of fishing and how it fitted with the local culture and lifestyle.

CED is a partnership programme that seeks to target funds for sustainable development activities undertaken by communities most in need of support. The programme is financed by the European-funded Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme and various public agencies.

Head of Strengthening Communities at CASE, Eann Sinclair said: "By investing in our most fragile communities via the CED programme we can help them to enhance their future through the generation of sustainable social and economic opportunities.

"These projects at Assynt are an excellent example of how the CED funds can be targeted for the benefit of locals and visitors alike."