Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) - Case Studies

What we did

Kilmartin Museum underwent a major development that joined together two separate buildings with a new extension to create a seamless facility.  The new extension houses a much larger exhibition gallery which showcases the internationally important archaeology of Kilmartin Glen in exciting and innovative ways, and seamlessly interweaves this with natural heritage information.  Over 300 of the Museum’s artefacts, which we previously didn’t have room to display are on show, along with important items from the collections of the National Museums of Scotland and the British Museum.

We’ve also created special exhibition galleries, which are currently hosting works by local artists including ‘Carbon Legacy’ – an installation by artist Lizzie Rose, which explores the earliest monument in the Glen, a massive cursus created over 5,000 years ago from felled oak trees. Carbon Legacy asks us to reflect on how our actions implicate our future, and the relevancy of this within the human-induced climate crisis we face today.

The project also created a dedicated learning centre, two laboratories and a purpose-built collections store that will house around 20,000 of our own artefacts and 20,000 that we care for on behalf of Argyll & Bute Council.   A path from the museum allows better access to the Glen’s monuments, and a new reception, shop, and café will also cater for visitors.

Where the idea for the project came from

Since 2012 it has become increasingly obvious that the museum had outgrown the facilities and the Museum’s exhibition of the Glen’s archaeology was out of date. We were not able to display our own collections, which had grown from a mere handful to around 20,000, half of which were recognised as being Nationally Significant by Museums Galleries Scotland in 2019.  The demand for education and learning visits was increasing, but we did not have space to accommodate them.  In order for us to grow, something had to be done!

How we will support the development and promotion of significant nature and cultural heritage assets

The Museum showcases Kilmartin Glen’s archaeology and the natural heritage of the wider Mid Argyll region in the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions, web site and publications.  The project has also enabled us to provide an environmentally friendly and secure place for us to be able to curate over 40,000 precious archaeological artefacts from Argyll.   The learning space will be used as a place for people of all ages to learn more in depth about the area’s significant archaeology and natural heritage.

How local economic and social benefits will be created, such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

The project has created 5 new jobs, generated contracts for building and interpretation work, promoted the local area, attracting more visitors who will spend money in the surrounding area, boosting the local economy.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

We undertook extensive community consultation and focus groups with schools and volunteers have helped shape our project. 

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional, or other development plans

The project fits with the national strategy for Scotland’s Museums and Galleries, and with Argyll & Bute Council’s Economic Strategy aims for growth in tourism.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and visitor experiences in the long-term.

Kilmartin Museum has been transformed, and the visitor experience has been enhanced for years to come.  The project has created something Mid Argyll can be proud of, which will continue to attract new and repeat visitors, and most importantly, Argyll’s archaeological treasures have a safe home so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.

Grantee: UHI – Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research (CRTR)

What we did

The Coast that Shaped the World, or ‘COAST’, project gathered almost 1400 stories from across the west coast and islands of Scotland. This was achieved via a grassroots methodology of employing local community ‘story gatherers’ to share the tales they wanted to tell from within their own localities, in their own words - as well as through an online platform and a series of online engagement workshops.

Over 350 of these stories were then interpreted digitally through an app, website, and series of both physical and virtual exhibitions. Combining these intriguing stories with links to practical visitor information, people could then access the stories and be intrigued and inspired to travel and experience the places first-hand.

COAST is a project about community, connection, and coastal heritage. In the film, one of the story gatherers for Skye, Angus Murray, shares what he enjoyed about being part of the project and why recording the stories was so important.

Where the idea for the project came from

COAST was one of the main project ideas that came out of The West Coast Marine Tourism Collaboration Summit held in Oban in January 2019. This looked to explore opportunities to enhance the quality of experience for those visiting the outstanding marine environment and important cultural and built heritage features of the west coast and islands and to address the gap in on-the-ground or immediately accessible digital interpretation.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

COAST has focused on developing and promoting both the tangible and intangible heritage of the west coast, captured through stories which have been shared by the communities themselves. The project facilitated gathering the stories, curating them by themes linked to environment, culture, folklore, and histories, and shared them with a wide audience through digital technologies.

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

The project employed 32 local story gatherers on a fixed-term, part-time basis, as well as generating contracts for co-ordination, web and app development, and creation of the exhibition displays. This includes an ongoing need for website and app maintenance until 2030. The aim is for the assets created to continue encouraging people to travel to the less-visited sites around the west coast and islands, boosting the local economies.

A major social benefit during the project was an opportunity for members of the community to connect to the project, especially during the pandemic when many felt isolated. There was a chance to speak to gatherers over the phone or meet outdoors when that was possible, to join the online workshops and contribute stories for prosperity - helping to keep these narratives alive and to unearth hidden ‘gems’ that risk being lost.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

The communities across the west coast have been at the heart of the project, generating the ideas and stories and therefore shaping the outputs - through the 32 story gatherers, the online survey which was open to the public and through the series of open online workshops. Community organisations also helped to shape the project, including some of the exhibition locations and the heritage centres and museums that were involved in the story curation phase, and subsequent engagement regarding use of the resource. Representatives of destination management organisations (DMOs) and several other stakeholders were part of the steering group which helped to develop and evolve the project plans throughout.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation local, regional or other development plans

The initial idea was driven by the west coast Destination Management Organisation network, and the project began in the Scottish Government’s theme year of Coasts & Waters in 2020. This then connected with the theme year of Scotland’s Stories in 2022 when the website, app and exhibitions were launched. VisitScotland listed the project on the theme year website and promoted the project through its marketing campaigns. There was also scope through the theme year to collaborate with other story sharing projects, including trails which were developed with fellow NCHF-funded project, ‘Spirit of the Highlands and Islands’.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long-term

With the website and app remaining live and updated until at least 2030, this gives vast scope for promoting the stories for years to come, to be enjoyed by both locals and visitors from afar and in location. The scope to use this rich resource of both the interpreted and archived stories is significant, from future researchers to community organisations, such as the Islay Gaelic Centre, which is one of the locations now providing a longer-term home for some of the exhibition story panels.

What we did

The award-winning Uist Virtual Archaeology Project has delivered innovative digital routes into Uist’s rich heritage, raising awareness of Uist’s unique archaeological assets. The project created two key outputs under the title ‘Uist Unearthed’:

• a free app containing location-triggered Augmented Reality reconstructions of five archaeological sites along the Hebridean Way in Uist
• a complementary travelling multimedia exhibition containing interactive displays, VR headset experiences, and 3D-printed artefacts

Under the themes of ‘Living on the machair’ and ‘Living on Water’, the app reimagines sites from Bronze Age Cladh Hallan to medieval Dùn an Sticir. The project was a collaboration between archaeologists at UHI North, West and Hebrides, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The app and exhibition builds were created by PEEL X, informed by content and research gathered and delivered by the core project team. Gaelic translations and bespoke content were created with Ceòlas. The project has directly engaged more than 10,000 people via the app, exhibition or through engagement activities and pop-up events.

Where the idea for the project came from

Uist boasts archaeological sites of local, national, and international significance, but historically there have been several challenges when it comes to effectively communicating this archaeology and its significance, and who it is communicated to. Fragile landscapes, minimal or damaged physical interpretation, inaccessible archaeological data, and a lack of visible remains meant that this rich archaeological resource had been under-exploited in terms of community benefits, visitor experiences and its potential to contribute sustainably to economic growth in the island.

How local economic and social benefits will be created, such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

The project supported four jobs through the life of the project and procured/commissioned five contracts from providers based in the Outer Hebrides: four from Uist, and one from Lewis. Local vendors were commissioned for numerous events through the life of the project, from catering to signage and marquee hire. This has ensured that a considerable proportion of project funds were kept and distributed within Uist and the Outer Hebrides. The impact of a contribution to sustaining a small number of jobs and contracts in Uist is huge in terms of population retention and social revitalisation.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

The idea for UVAP developed in response to a community desire to improve access, interpretation and promotion of Uist’s rich archaeological resources. 273 people in Uist were directly involved in collaborative co-production of app and exhibition content or participating in beta-testing for the app. One highlight was the creation of a bilingual animation by pupils from Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath which told the story of Ùisdean mac Ghilleasbaig Chlèirich, a resident of one of the sites featured in the app. This animation was shortlisted in the FilmG awards. Coproduction and engagement events (including 13 schools workshops, 10 content creation sessions and 59 VR headset sessions) involved audiences from primary schools to elderly residents across Uist. Involving and engaging new audiences, specifically younger people, and families, in Uist’s archaeological heritage has been a key outcome and success of this project. Evaluation tells us that the project’s outputs are now valued as key community assets, having become a staple for school activity days and other events.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional, or other development plans

UVAP contributes to the Tourism Strategy for the Outer Hebrides 2030 (Sealladh) by developing digitally innovative visitor experiences at heritage sites that can be used out of season, the CnES Corporate Strategy 2017-21 (developing archaeological tourism and associated economic opportunities), the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership’s (OHCPP) Local Outcome Improvement Plan 2017-27 (technological innovation as a means of enabling economic growth), Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy (enhancing understanding and encouraging engagement), and the Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland 2018-23 (using Gaelic more widely in the tourism industry and expanding Gaelic offerings).

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and visitor experiences in the long-term.

By creating low physical impact, sustainable and innovative heritage interpretation, Uist’s archaeological heritage is now more visible, more accessible, and better explained to more diverse audiences. The app has transformed visitor experiences of key archaeological sites across Uist and has promoted Uist as a key destination for heritage tourism. By substantially enhancing the current visitor offering in Uist, the project will continue have a significant and positive impact on the local visitor economy. Evaluation tells us that after engaging with the project’s outputs, communities and visitors have learned something about Uist’s archaeology, their perceptions have improved, and they would be more including to visit other heritage sites in the area.  The app will continue to function, with the exhibition available for loan by local museums and other heritage hubs.

What we did

Trees for Life engaged a larger, more diverse range of people with the unique Caledonian forest and Gaelic heritage of the Highlands by creating the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. It will become the place in Scotland where people can experience an ancient pinewood and unique juniper forest, discover centuries of Gaelic history and connect with a landscape undergoing transformation through rewilding.

Where the idea for the project came from

We lacked the facilities to involve a larger number of people with rewilding. While Trees for Life has worked with thousands of volunteers, we wanted to share exploring the Caledonian forest with everyone, using Dundreggan as an exemplar of how estates can provide additional socio-economic benefits.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

The Centre is a hub for engagement with the unique heritage of the area, a ‘honeypot’ for visitors and gateway to other heritage assets, offering:

• Interpretation about Dundreggan’s natural heritage and its surroundings, especially the Caledonian Forest
• Engagement with Gaelic culture through landscape place names and local folklore
• Recreation including forest play facilities, accessible trails, circular walks and links to more challenging trails
• Learning through immersion in the landscape, outdoor events, indoor study and research
• Community development by being a place where ideas can be shared and opportunities for local action explored
• Improvements to the wider natural heritage by demonstrating best practice, developing new projects and collaborative partnerships

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

The Centre includes a café and accommodation and has created 16.7FTE new jobs to date, with many staff living locally. It is projected to generate an annual surplus of £215,540 within six years, potentially supporting the existing jobs on the estate and any future recruited roles. Using a multiplier of 1.7, an additional 10.5FTE jobs could be created within the supply chain.

Remotely located, it is open all year, extending the season, and for longer hours, encouraging extended stays in the area. This will benefit other rural businesses, especially accommodations, shops and tourist facilities. The promotion of other heritage sites at the Centre will spread its economic impact.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

Trees for Life worked with the community, exploring local heritage with the involvement of schools, storytellers and artists. Trees for Life specifically discussed the Centre, seeking feedback and input at four drop-in events, three community group meetings and two primary schools between February/April 2019. Trees for Life also attended the relevant community council meeting to seek feedback. 118 people out of a local population of 1,100 were involved and many of the suggestions made by the community have been developed further, including increased emphasis on Gaelic culture and the importance of the Centre complementing and not competing with existing provision.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional or other development plans

TfL is cited as a contributor to the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Action Plan and the Centre will contribute to the: community/recreational; local economy and; environment/heritage themes.

The Highlands plan relevant objectives include: “to be a place of outstanding natural and cultural heritage; have re-established and promoted its unique identity; make it easy for people and wildlife to move about through a green network and; diversify its economy.” Other goals include all-weather environmental tourist facilities, promoting tourism in the area and providing a gateway to other destinations in the Highlands. These align with objectives in the Scottish National Planning Framework.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long term

The business plan estimates that 52,000+ people will visit annually within six years, connecting with Highland heritage through a diverse range of experiences. We will learn from feedback and the response to the activities and events we organise. Financial surpluses will enable the Centre to evolve and change, attracting more and repeat visits.

What we did

National Trust for Scotland aimed to transform the experience at Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve by creating new, world class visitor facilities, providing a gateway to the rich nature and wildlife of Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the UK.

With support from the Natural & Cultural Heritage Fund we delivered a new visitor centre with café, retail and ranger space, car parking including EV charging and overnight camping and waste disposal for campervans, bike space and 800m of new paths opening up previously inaccessible areas of the nature reserve. We now have an on-site staff presence to encourage sustainable use of the nature reserve and engage with visitors on how to make the most of their visit.

The new visitor facilities opened in April 2023, just in time for the summer season.

Where the idea for the project came from

Corrieshalloch Gorge is Scotland’s smallest National Nature Reserve at just under 28 Hectares and in 2019 welcomed over 140,000 visitors –partly due to its convenient location on the NC500 route in north-west Scotland. Until the Gateway to Nature project was conceived, the only visitor facilities were a small car park with a direct path to the suspension bridge spanning the gorge.

The extremely high visitation combined with lack of visitor facilities was having a negative impact on the nature reserve and surrounding area. Our rangers were regularly having to deal with issues of dangerous parking on the verge of the busy A road beside the reserve, wild toileting, and damage to the reserve by overnight campers.  The suspension bridge is a B-listed structure with a weight limit that was routinely ignored; resulting in damage to the bridge - sometimes leading to its closure - as well as safety concerns for visitors.

Additional factors in the project development included the fairly minimal time people were spending at the reserve, with dwell time recorded at around 20 minutes. Corrieshalloch Gorge is rich with cultural and natural history and our Gateway to Nature project aimed to transform the visitor experience and give our visitors more reason to stay and experience all the reserve offers.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

The new facilities on site have enabled National Trust for Scotland to develop both the story and the audience for Corrieshalloch Gorge.

As well as being a National Nature Reserve, a designation given to exceptional places to experience wildlife and nature, Corrieshalloch Gorge is a SSSI, with habitats designated for rare wildlife. The new visitor facilities aim to balance the protection of the site and wildlife, with enabling access and inspiring better understanding and knowledge of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the gorge.

On site staff are available to engage with visitors, a new events programme at the property provides hands on experiences of the gorge’s wildlife, with guided walks with rangers, events aimed at children and more specialised events exploring particular themes e.g. fungal foray. The new 800m path opens up new parts of the nature reserve for visitors to explore birch woodlands and waterfalls and connecting on to the existing path network and suspension bridge.

The next phase of the project will see the delivery of new interpretation that brings to life both the nature and geology of the nature reserve, plus the site’s cultural history, the suspension bridge was designed by Sir John Fowler, who also designed the Forth Rail Bridge.

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

The project created 6.5 FTE jobs across 12 seasonal and permanent roles in its first year. Our design team was led by Oberlanders architects who are based in the Highlands, as were the main contractor and most sub-contractors used during the construction and fit out of the new visitor facilities and paths. The new visitor centre has been designed as an outdoor experience, encouraging everyone to stay and see and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature.

How the community helped us develop our ideas

Community and visitor feedback on the lack of facilities at Corrieshalloch and wider issues arising from unsustainable use of the nature reserve were the key drivers for developing this project.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional, and other development plans

Corrieshalloch Gorge Gateway to Nature directly delivers on local plans such as the Wester Ross Tourism Partnership Framework which prioritises sustainable tourism, and Highland Council’s Strategic Infrastructure Development plan for the north-west highlands, providing critical visitor infrastructure in response to growing visitor numbers.

Corrieshalloch Gorge is part of the Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a partnership promoting the outstanding landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage of Wester Ross and delivers on the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy – providing natural habitats, ecosystems and species that are diverse, thriving, resilient and adapting to climate change.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long-term

The provision of new facilities and staff presence at Corrieshalloch Gorge will transform National Trust for Scotland’s ability to protect and promote the nature and cultural heritage of the nature reserve. Income generated will ensure the longevity of this provision. Extra resource will enable NTS to grow our audience and further develop the visitor experience, and partner with other tourism businesses and initiatives across the highlands.

Grantee: RSPB

What we did

The Loch Garten Osprey Centre was reconfigured to increase its capacity without extending the footprint of the building. Glazing was installed where previously there were walls, providing improved views of wildlife and the Caledonian forest. Glass brings in natural light and creates solar heat, enabling the opening season to be extended from five months to eight months each year.

The car park has been extended with marked spaces, ensuring that maximum use is made of the available area, and more visitors can be accommodated.

New interpretation in the centre and on the surrounding woodland trails, will enable visitors to learn about a range of local wildlife and habitats.
 

A schedule of talks, walks and activities will engage and entertain visitors and local communities. These will be promoted locally, on the RSPB website and via social media. A marketing and communications plan, including the installation of brown tourist road signs for the renamed centre, will encourage more people to visit.

Where the idea for the project came from

During 2019 the BBC are, for the first time, broadcasting Winterwatch, Springwatch and Autumnwatch from the same place – Nethybridge. They have installed two cameras on the Loch Garten Osprey nest. This will create an uplift in visitor numbers, and we need to improve the facilities and visitor offering to maximise on the opportunity. Investment in an improved visitor experience will encourage more visitors for many years to come.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

Loch Garten is the place where ospreys first returned to in the 1950s after a period of extinction in the UK. They will continue to be a significant attraction and we will promote live viewing of these enigmatic birds. We will develop interpretation and promote other natural heritage assets of the Cairngorms. This will include the story of Abernethy forest and the 200-year vision to double the forested area, extending up the mountains to the natural tree line. The importance of habitats that are home to an array of species will be promoted, such as the vast tracts of blanket bog and the Arctic-like montane habitat. We work with the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and Cairngorms Connect; we all aim to develop and promote the natural heritage of the area.

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

The project created two new jobs; generated contracts for building and interpretation work; promoted Loch Garten, attracting more visitors who will spend money in the surrounding area, boosting the local economy.

The centre provides a place for people of all ages to: meet; enjoy a shared interest; exchange experiences; learn about natural heritage; be physically active outdoors. All of this will benefit wellbeing and create social benefits.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

The head teacher of two local primary schools is keen for pupils to take part in activities at Loch Garten. Therefore, outdoor education activities will be delivered as part of this project. Local children recently prepared chalk boards for the path to the centre which illustrate activities in which visitors can participate.

Visitor feedback demonstrates that people value face to face engagement. A Visitor Engagement Officer and local volunteers will inspire tourists and the local community with the story of the landscape and its wildlife.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation local, regional or other development plans

Nationally the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy has the aim ‘to conserve biodiversity for the health, enjoyment and wellbeing of the people of Scotland, now and in the future.’ Through inspiring people to care for Scotland’s nature our project will contribute towards this aim.  Our project will complement the plans of both the CNPA and Cairngorms Connect.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long-term

A transformed centre will provide a quality visitor experience for years into the future and present the perfect opportunity to promote Loch Garten and attract new and repeat visitors.

What we did

Improvements were made to access and interpretation at heritage sites across Orkney’s smaller islands.  A major part of the project was linked to the regeneration of the Scapa Flow Museum at the former WW1 and WW2 naval base at Lyness on the island of Hoy. Work was carried out to improve access around site and interpret the wider context of the buildings and other wartime features. 

In the North Isles of Orkney, improvements were made to the core path network and interpretation was created to increase understanding of individual sites and create maps to show features and transport routes, linking sites across each island.

Where the idea for the project came from

The Access to Orkney Heritage initiative was developed from two existing projects: the redevelopment of the Scapa Flow Museum in the island of Hoy and the North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme, delivering multiple heritage projects across Orkney’s North Isles.  There was a need to improve access and information to multiple heritage sites within both of these scheme areas and the Access to Orkney Heritage project was developed.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

Orkney has a wealth of archaeological, cultural, and natural heritage assets, and together these attract a high volume of visitors to the county.  Ensuring that heritage sites have appropriate access and information helps to protect sensitive sites and encourage dispersal of visitors across all of Orkney’s islands.

Providing information and interpretation of these places, increases understanding and highlights the importance of preserving them.

How local economic and social benefits will be created, such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

Promotion of heritage sites and path routes across the isles encourages visitors to travel beyond Mainland Orkney to our smaller communities.  The Scapa Flow Museum employs 2 permanent and 4 seasonal staff and is a key attraction for visitors to Hoy.  In the North Isles, sites and path routes offer some of the best opportunities to see wildlife and heritage features and can be a key reason for visitors to travel to more remote islands.  An example is the Castle o Burrian in Westray, the best place to view Atlantic Puffin in Orkney.  Improvements to the path network have increased the number of visitors that are able to access the site and therefore spend time on the island.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

Community groups and individuals provided key input during the development phase of our project and greatly informed the work that was undertaken.  We continued that dialogue throughout the delivery of the project. 

In many cases local contractors were selected to undertake work on paths and for the research and design of interpretation material.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional, or other development plans

By supporting the sustainable development of local communities and promotion and protection of heritage assets, the project fits into the Orkney Local Development Plan, and also links to Scotland wide strategies such as Our Place in Time: the Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and visitor experiences in the long-term.

The project will provide improved access, information, and promotion of key heritage assets across the islands, encouraging future visitors to explore beyond the Orkney Mainland.  The dispersal of visitors helps relieve pressure at some sites and supports smaller island communities, whilst enhancing and diversifying the visitor experience and their understanding of our invaluable heritage assets.

What we did

Our historic building, an important part of the story we tell, was in desperate need of some TLC to preserve the historic fabric, improve the environmental conditions therein, and improve the visitor experience. We achieved this by conserving the historic fabric, improving thermal efficiency, opening up previously unused parts of the building, installing a modern link bridge and creating a brand-new Annex building with exhibition and workshop space.

Where the idea for the project came from

Our long-established community organisation has always had big ambitions and a keen eye on the future. It was recognised that to continue to deliver services to our community now and into the future we would have to preserve our historic building and increase our available footprint. The advent of the North Coast 500 as a popular visitor destination was bringing a new type of audience to our doors. This was an opportunity we couldn’t miss and to meet the expectations of this new audience improvements had to be made to our infrastructure and interpretation to improve the story we tell and the experience we offer.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

Our sole purpose is to promote and preserve the heritage assets, both natural and cultural, of Strathnaver in particular and northwest Sutherland more widely. A key message within our interpretation was to help visitors to understand the importance of the landscape and the treasures it contains, and how it has been shaped by human occupation over 8,000 years. From our refurbished facility we can welcome more visitors, accommodate more group visits, deliver workshops to schools, and life-long learning opportunities to a diverse audience.  

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

We pride ourselves on our place within the local community and the benefits we can bring to it. This can be through delivery of social benefits such as reducing social isolation, improving health and wellbeing, educational opportunities or supporting local artisans and businesses by promoting their wares.

We were delighted to work with local professionals and to award the construction contract, following a competitive process, to a local firm. Additional benefits including, the contractor accessing training from the Scottish Lime Trust in traditional methods which they have carried forward on historic building contracts awarded in the wake of our project. Investing in local people, developing skills, which have then gone on to benefit more groups like ours in the area.  

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

As a community run organisation community is at the heart of all that we do. The design team worked closely with our volunteers to identify design solutions to meet the needs we’d identified through countless consultation exercises and feedback from visitors. At each stage of the design process the community were consulted, listened too, and their thoughts fed back into the design process. A key warning being ‘don’t change it too much’ or lose what makes Strathnaver Museum so special. A challenge in a historic building in urgent need of repair and modernisation to improve accessibility. However, public feedback has been incredibly positive and to sum it up in the words of one volunteer: “I was worried about seeing the changes in case it had lost what makes it so special, but it’s just wonderful. It still feels like it belongs to the community.”

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional or other development plans

As a fully accredited museum we support delivery of Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy which in turn aligns with Scottish Government ambitions including Net Zero, creating a fairer society, and building resilience. Our project delivered against all three strands of the strategy; Connection, Resilience, and Workforce.

As part of our Service Level Agreement we deliver on Highland Council’s Single Outcome Agreement, which in turn supports the National Performance Framework (NPF). The NPF includes indicators from the Government Economic Strategy including increased cultural engagement, improvements to historical sites, and to improve Scotland’s reputation. Our project delivered on these by improving our historic site, increasing the number of people engaging with heritage, and promoting Scotland’s reputation as a world class visitor destination.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long-term

The story we tell is that of the landscape and the flora and fauna it contains, humans included. As one of our visitors wrote:

“Having spent the earlier part of the day in Strathnaver, looking at the ruins and outlines, what I saw and read in the museum not only helped me understand it but opened my eyes to the immense history of the area.”

What we did

Installed nearly 2km of recycled plastic boardwalk, a visitor hub including information shelter and toilets, trail signage and car park improvements at Hermaness National Nature Reserve (NNR).

Where the idea for the project came from

Increasing visitor numbers at Hermaness NNR were causing issues of peat erosion and potential bird disturbance, leading to closure of the historic route to Muckle Flugga lighthouse signalling station.  A meeting of stakeholders identified boardwalk as a perfect solution.  The development of the project also presented the opportunity to provide visitor facilities at the reserve entrance, and signage on the reserve.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

Hermaness boasts outstanding natural and cultural heritage.  The boardwalk protects these assets by preventing erosion of peatland and routing people away from sensitive nesting birds, whilst reopening the historic route to Muckle Flugga signalling station.  Interpretation at the car park and along the trails promotes awareness, understanding and enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage assets.

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

Hermaness is one of the biggest visitor attractions in Unst.  Increased visitor numbers since the installation of the new facilities will have had a positive effect on this fragile island economy by boosting tourist numbers.  Toilet cleaning provides direct employment for a local resident, while the development phase involved the local construction and accommodation supply chain.

How the community helped us develop our ideas

The Common Grazings Committee were involved from the outset, and Unst Heritage Trust helped develop interpretation.  Wild Skies Unst used our new visitor hub to host a Sky Trail listening post, and musicians from the local school and wider community, and local hall were involved in the project launch.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional, and other development plans

The project supports the fragile economy of the north isles of Shetland by safeguarding and enhancing this iconic visitor attraction, aligning with a number of strategies and development plans, including those of the Shetland Partnership and Visit Scotland.  The project protects biodiversity and helps mitigate climate change (by protecting peatland), contributing to local, national and international priorities.  The project contributes to the NatureScot Corporate Plan priority of ‘valuing nature’.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long-term

The project helps to safeguard this iconic site into the future, and enhances the cultural and natural heritage experience for visitors for many years to come

What we did

The Real Wild West: Adopt-a-Monument on Ardnamurchan programme “Adopted” ten historical and archaeological sites across Ardnamurchan, which were chosen by the local community, to be enhanced, better cared for and promoted. Local people came together to help repair, rebuild and improve each site, making friends, learning new skills and helping promote the cultural heritage of the area.

Three phases of archaeological investigation took place at Camas nan Geall, a historical bay on the southern coast of the peninsula. There were three key aims for this work. The first was to characterise the archaeology of the bay and to investigate how people lived in the area over the millennia. The second was to improve participants’ archaeological skills, and the third was to help increase health and wellbeing amongst participants by creating positive volunteering experiences where people could make friends and contribute to the community.

A traditional skills project took place which focused on the historical crofting township of Achnaha, where two blackhouses were repaired and rebuilt and the surrounding landscape enhanced to create better access to the site. The project was led by a local traditional skills specialist who engaged participants in learning about drystone walling, lime mortaring, fencing, path building and landscaping.

A training project was created which delivered training in traditional skills, rural skills and hospitality and tourism skills. The courses were designed around what the community felt was most need in the local area and were delivered by the University of the Highlands & Islands.

All of this work was brought together and presented through a major interpretation programme. Members of the community were engaged in co-designing interpretive material that was used as inspiration for ten new heritage interpretations at the ten adopted sites, as well as the installation of three heritage hubs at key tourist locations across the peninsula. The interpretation of the ten adopted sites, as well as the archaeological discoveries from Camas nan Geall and the celebration of the traditional skills project at Achnaha formed part of the new Wander West Ardnamurchan Heritage Trail, which encourages visitors to the peninsula to spend some more time there, to explore and learn more about the heritage of this unique place, contributing to the economy.

Evaluation carried out as part of the project demonstrated the positive impact that the project had on local people and the wider community. Overall, 56% of participants indicated that their wellbeing had “greatly improved”; 80% of participants self-reported that their traditional building skills had “greatly improved”; 83% of participants indicated that their archaeological skills had “greatly increased” as a result of taking part in the project; 88% of participants said they had a “very positive experience” and 90% of participants indicated that a moderate or greatly improved knowledge of the history and heritage of Ardnamurchan. There was over 3000 hours of volunteering time with 357 people participating in activities.

Where the idea for the project came from

The idea for the project came from the community of Ardnamurchan and specifically from members of the Ardnamurchan History and Heritage Association (AHHA). They realised that they could use their skills in partnership with Archaeology Scotland (AS) to help deliver elements of the West Ardnamurchan Community Action plan, which explicitly recognises the potential heritage has for helping to deliver a range of positive outcomes for the community, including increased economic development, skills development, community building and health and wellbeing. Members of AHHA approached AS to help develop a programme where these outcomes could be achieved and helped co-design the project.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant naturel and cultural heritage assets

Through Archaeology Scotland’s Adopt-a-Monument programme there will be continued support for the Ardnamurchan History and Heritage Association. This will include continued skills development and capacity building, through training and mentorship. This will in turn help AHHA and the West Ardnamurchan Community Council and Development Company to use the areas unique cultural heritage to support the community through economic development, skills development and health and wellbeing.

How local economic and social benefits will be created, such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

The project created two new jobs, including a locally based engagement officer position and one within Archaeology Scotland.

The project also generated several contracting opportunities that local contractors won, including in traditional skills, building and construction work and training. Other contracting opportunities were generated that took in archaeology and interpretation work that attracted contractors from across Scotland.

The project was aligned to the West Ardnamurchan Community Action Plan with the aim of promoting Ardnamurchan’s unique cultural heritage to attract more visitors who will spend more time and more money in the area, boosting the local economy.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

The Adopt-a-Monument programme is community-led. As such all our projects are co-designed and co-created with the community. All the ten adopted sites were chosen by the local community through extensive consultation and networking, giving everyone the opportunity to contribute to the project and highlight the heritage that was most important to them. The interpretation outputs were co-designed with the local community through workshops, consulting, and design events, so that everyone in the community had the opportunity to contribute to the overall look of the Wander West Ardnamurchan trail, which will affect how visitors encounter the area. Local landowners and crofters were key to developing our ideas through their expert knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of the area, and through their permissions to carry out the work.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional, or other development plans

The Real Wild West Adopt-a-monument on Ardnamurchan Programme was aligned to the West Ardnamurchan Community Action Plan and helped to deliver Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy, and Our Past, Our Future: The Strategy for Scotland's Historic Environment. All the archaeology work carried out was aligned to the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework and the Highland Archaeology Research Framework, particularly the Early Medieval, Medieval, and Post Medieval periods of the Highland Archaeological Research Framework (HighARF). 

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and visitor experiences in the long-term.

The Wander West Ardnamurchan heritage trail will form a focus for visitors to the area for years to come and help promote the unique cultural heritage of the area to the public, encouraging people to spend more time in the area, helping to contribute to the local economy, through increased stays, and increased spending in local shops, cafes, and pubs.

The improved “Adopted” sites will be better maintained for the long term, preserving the cultural heritage for future generations.

Grantee: RZSS

What we did

Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre at Highland Wildlife Park delivers a new visitor journey that enables people to see and experience first-hand Scotland’s most endangered species and learn how they can help to conserve them. Interpretation is delivered in the open air amongst expansive views, bringing people closer to the world-class conservation work taking place within the wildlife park and across the Cairngorms National Park.

• An Doras (The Gateway) is a stunning Discovery Hub providing dedicated immersive spaces where visitors can appreciate Scotland’s native wildlife and be inspired to protect nature.
• A' Chaonnag (Learning Hive) is a spacious Learning Hub which offers schools and communities new opportunities to increase their knowledge of local biodiversity and gain practical conservation skills.
• An Saobhaidh (Conservation Den) is a Hilltop Hub overlooking the Saving Wildcats breeding for release centre, giving visitors a unique perspective on the conservation work now taking place to restore endangered wildcats and other native species to the surrounding landscapes.

These three iconic buildings are ambassadors for sustainable building design, with environmental impacts minimised and integral messaging helping to increase awareness of climate change.  Beautifully landscaped with native species, each look outwards across stunning landscapes to provide an ideal gateway to the Cairngorms National Park.

By creating new indoor sheltered spaces, these hubs have enhanced the Highland Wildlife Park as an all-weather visitor attraction, helping to increase visitor numbers during spring, autumn and winter months.

In parallel, the implementation of a new Biodiversity Action Plan has created habitats for rare and endangered native species, such as the scabious mining bee and ground nesting birds, with interpretation to enable visitors and local communities to understand how to protect wildlife on their own doorstep.

Scotland Wildlife Discovery Centre opened in May 2024.  When the events and learning programmes commence in autumn 2024, new talks, guided tours, STEM learning programmes, and community events will enable more people to protect, value, and love nature.  These events will be promoted locally, on the RZSS website, and via social media. A marketing and communications plan will encourage more people to visit, with a particular focus on diverse audiences and people with fewer opportunities to engage with nature.

RZSS thank the European Regional Development Fund for part-funding Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre and helping to foster deep and meaningful connections with wildlife among an ever-increasing community of people for generations to come.

Where the idea for the project came from

The project idea came from needs identified by our visitors and our local community for a high-quality visitor centre with capacity to manage significantly expanded visitor demand, better interpretation to increase awareness of local wildlife and landscapes, and more opportunities for people of all ages and diverse backgrounds to enjoy and care for nature.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre supports the sustainable environmental management of the Cairngorms National Park’s outstanding landscapes, particularly Caledonian pine forests, mountains, peatlands, rivers, and wetlands.  It will promote the enjoyment and conservation of native wildlife, including endangered species that can be seen at Highland Wildlife Park such as wildcats, pine marten, beaver, and rare invertebrates. It will also support greater understanding of extinct species that once inhabited Scotland by enabling visitors to see and learn about species such as lynx and wolf.

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

The project has enhanced a key visitor attraction and tourism facilities in a remote rural region where tourism provides 43% of employment and 30% of the economy (GVA).

It has created 17 FTE diverse jobs, sourced local food and craft products from our communities, and supported local tourism-reliant businesses by transforming an important visitor attraction based on the region’s natural and cultural assets.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

The local community has helped to develop this project through surveys, story-telling events, and focus groups. Going forward, a dedicated Discovery and Learning Team will bring learning to life for communities through events and schools programmes within the Highland Wildlife as well as extending the impact of the project across the Highland region through outreach visits.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation local, regional, or other development plans

Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre is aligned with national, regional, and international strategies, including Scotland’s (draft) Biodiversity Strategy 2022-2045, the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022-2027, and the COP27 agreement. The project also supports other key strategies, including Scotland’s 2018-2032 Climate Change Plan, Scotland’s Economic Strategy, the aspirations of Scotland’s Outlook 2030, the Curriculum for Excellence, and the STEM Education and Training Strategy. Working alongside partners, this project has an essential role in delivering the RZSS 2030 international strategy pledges to reverse the decline of at least 50 species, create stronger connections with nature for more than a million people and enable more than 100 communities to better protect nature.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long-term

Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre highlights how people can enjoy visiting and conserving the outstanding natural heritage of the Cairngorms National Park and its native wildlife, learning about local initiatives such as Saving Wildcats, Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms, the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project and Cairngorms Connect, and many other conservation programmes.

Natural heritage activities, school programmes, and authentic events/experiences will transform learning and training for people from remote rural communities and enrich STEM learning throughout the Highland region. 

Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre is so much more than just understanding or appreciating our natural heritage; it’s about empowering more people from diverse backgrounds to become guardians of Scottish wildlife.

Grantee: The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland on behalf of the Skye Iconic Sites Project

What we did

The Skye Iconic Sites Project (SISP), led by The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, tackled environmental degradation and a lack of tourist infrastructure and coordinated interpretation at the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Fairy Pools, visitor sites on the Isle of Skye whose global popularity has mushroomed in recent years.

The work carried out over two years at all three sites included the maintenance and upgrading of existing upland paths and viewpoints, and the restoration of their surrounding habitats, damaged by intensive visitor footfall combined with harsh weather conditions.

Site sustainability was a major focus for the project. With erosion scars up to 40 metres wide, the project’s habitat restoration work was vital for arresting and reversing environmental degradation, preparing the ground for natural regeneration, and ensuring the protection of all three sites for years to come.

At The Old Man of Storr, a site of Special Scientific Interest, new techniques to collect species-rich seeds for use on damaged areas were trialled.  The team also experimented with covering this new laid seed with geo jute (hessian netting). The geo jute covers and stabilises the surface and offers the seedlings greater shelter to grow. Small turfs were also laid under geo jute to help boost growth in other areas.

Large-scale returfing was successful on the area around the Quiraing path works.

A key aim of SISP was to develop infrastructure that enabled a more diverse range of people to access the sites, and provide a better visitor experience for all, while continuing to protect their fragile environments.

Major construction to improve user accessibility included an all-abilities path at the Quiraing, two new steel and timber bridges at the Fairy Pools, and new viewpoints with 360-degree panoramic views and offshoot paths some of which are close to the car parks.

The project team took into account the Paths For All Outdoor Accessibility Guidance and ensured the project’s communications plan, run in parallel with project delivery, communicated the upgraded fully accessible options available.

SISP also delivered a programme of coordinated and themed interpretation including the introduction of visitor information panels, focused on cultural and natural heritage stories, at all three sites. Care has also been taken to ensure the authentic and sympathetic use of the Gaelic language and Gaelic culture, rather than just literal translation of local place names and flora and fauna.

 It is hoped the panels will help visitors interact and understand the sites, and connect with the landscape emotionally and respectfully, improving the overall visitor experience.

The initial review of the island’s current interpretation also noted information gaps and potential space for new and shared themes to enable a long-term coordinated approach to interpretation at more sites across the island – e.g. crofting townships, social history, land management techniques, geology, etc.

Where the idea for the project came from

In 2016/17 the Fairy Pools recorded an unsustainable 80,000 visitors. In 2019 records show a staggering increase to more than 180,000.  In the same year 340,000 people flocked to The Old Man of Storr.  This huge rise in international visitor numbers to the island can be attributed to the inspiration from stunning Instagram photographs and social media post recommendations, combined with the enthusiasm for visiting popular TV and film locations.

In 2017 and 2018 Skye’s reputation as an international tourist destination was being hit by numerous pieces of unwelcome publicity announcing that the island was ‘full’ and ‘closed to tourists’. CNN Travel famously listed Skye at number one on the list of tourist places to avoid, entirely due to the sense that it was beyond carrying capacity.

With a lack of basic infrastructure and visitor facilities at The Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Fairy Pools, Skye’s most renowned tourist sites all struggled to cope under the pressure of the increased visitor traffic and footfall, with upland paths and the surrounding vegetation being overwhelmed and badly damaged, taking a heavy toll on the natural environment. 

The long-term environmental impact was even more significant when you consider all three sites are situated in National Scenic Areas, broadly equivalent to the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty found in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - The Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche in the Cuillin Hills National Scenic Area and the Old Man of Storr and the Quirang in the Trotternish National Scenic Area.

The exponential visitor increases on the island also caused concern for the safety of local communities. Narrow single-track access roads were regularly blocked with parked cars, verges were damaged and both residents, businesses and emergency services had to deal with significant disruption. The lack of infrastructure and onsite toilet facilities at these sites also lead to litter and waste management issues.

Recognising that Skye could readily absorb more tourists, and fully appreciating the value in providing sustainable and long-term solutions to develop natural heritage attractions on the island, the Skye Iconic Sites Project initiative was formed in 2018. This informal collaborative alliance that included the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (SISP’s delivery partner), Skye Connect (Skye’s destination management organisation), two community organisations local to the sites (the Staffin Trust and Minginish Community Hall Association), Highland Council, and Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (the principal landowner), was keen to tackle the problem head-on.

Together with community consultations the group developed the Skye Iconic Sites Project, a collaborative solution to improve the visitor experience for all at these remote but hugely popular attractions, and to achieve sustainable management within the wider context of Skye as an international visitor destination.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

Through the coordinated and iterative interpretive plan SISP has ensured that heritage values are maintained at a sustainable level to enable current and future generations to experience and enjoy all the sites in a much-improved condition. 

The information panels at all three sites have been tailored to the needs of a more diverse range of visitors.  Most of the coordinated panels have been placed within the site car parks, making them accessible to all, augmenting the basic facilities of parking and toilets.

The aims and objectives of the Skye Iconic Sites Project are widely supported on the island with the construction of new car parks and toilet facilities at all three sites, recently completed via other coordinated initiatives.

Sustainability of the access infrastructure, habitat rehabilitation, and interpretation at all three sites will be provided via new income streams generated direct from car parking at each of the sites.  Rent from the Fairy Pools car park is already benefitting Minginish community projects [funded by RTIF, not NCHF].

Skye’s Iconic Sites Project has created a template that other busy visitor destinations can use and learn from, helping sustainable tourism development to be achieved in remote and fragile locations throughout the rest of the UK.

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

SISP has created direct employment via the direct project outputs. Local and Highlands-based path builders were used; materials were sourced from two local quarries on Skye; and local people worked on haulage and building foundations for information panels and signs. Locally based ecological clerk of works and path building clerk of works were employed, and local machinery hire was used.

The ongoing sustainable management of the three visitor sites will be overseen by one full-time ranger at The Old Man of Storr, supported by two part-time rangers.  There are also two full-time visitor information and parking staff and several seasonal staff employed at the Fairy Pools, together with an ongoing part-time ecological clerk of works post for the whole project.

Under Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) local consultants and contractors have been given opportunities to tender. This has been a fundamental to the Skye Iconic Sites Project's approach to advertising work in the area, recognising the problem of retaining people on the Isle of Skye, something which work through the local economy can help with.

Long-term monitoring has been planned and includes:

• Post-project habitat surveys repeated annually over the next five years. The surveys will monitor the ecological interventions undertaken on this project.
• Continue to collect and review vehicle and people counter data.
• SISP to liaise with parking management, visitor-site maintenance and ranger staff to agree a monitoring programme over the next seven years until 2030.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

Extensive community engagement was carried out during the project, particularly when feedback was sought from the wider public to help shape the interpretive plan, with community consultation sessions and public surveys forming the backbone of the project’s coordinated plan.

Two local community organisations, the Staffin Trust and Minginish Community Hall Association, and Skye Connect were key organisations within the Skye Iconic Sites Project initiative, playing a vital role in developing community engagement and involvement throughout the project.

Communicating the Gaelic language and heritage to visitors was an essential element of the interpretation brief.  After meeting local Gaelic organisations, side-by-side Gaelic translation was rejected for the information panels. Giving users an understanding and appreciation of the language was recommended instead, with the panels conveying the meaning of Gaelic names and phrases in terms of place, landscape, songs and poetry, and flora and fauna.

During the large-scale turfing work at Quiraing OATS found a turf donor site, an old quarry with the same grass type as the restoration area, half a mile from the site car park. Permission to use the turf was granted by the Crofter’s Grazing Committee. This generous local support saved the project time and budget.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation to local, regional or other development plans

The aims and objectives of SISP are widely supported on Skye with new car parks and toilet facilities at all three sites, recently completed via other coordinated initiatives. 

Sustainability of the access infrastructure, habitat rehabilitation, and interpretation at all three sites will be provided via new income streams generated direct from car parking at each of the sites.

In parallel to SISP, Skye Connect was working with Edinburgh University to develop a visitor management system for Skye based on real-time data collected from vehicle sensors and people-counters. The aim will be to help visitors choose the best sites to visit at busy times, with Dynamic Roadside Message Signs, and/or through the MySkyeTime app.

Through SISP, OATS has bought two people-counters and will be buying a vehicle sensor for the access road to the Fairy Pools Car Park. This is as a contribution to the wider visitor management project which, helped by the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate and Highland Council, will buy five more vehicle sensors and five people counters for other sites on Skye.

The Old Man of Storr is arguably the most famous walk on Skye. A recent project born indirectly from the SISP initiative, has been the renovation of 600m of the existing mountain path completed by Highland Council, with contract management support from OATS, on a separate Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund initiative.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long-term

For years to come the Skye Iconic Sites Project will continue to deliver visitor experience benefits on Skye, with positive impacts on the local economy and community, and visitors.

The Skye Iconic Site Project has:

• Begun to change Skye’s growing international reputation as a negative tourist experience due to a lack of basic visitor infrastructure at the busiest destinations.
• Allowed a wider variety of visitor audiences to more fully experience iconic locations by providing accessible paths, main path upgrades, viewpoints and bridges.
• Undertaken sustainable habitat restoration actions on areas heavily eroded due to footfall.
• Created new interpretation boards that fully capture the cultural and historical identity of the area through an exemplary community and specialist planning process.
• Improved visitor orientation at all three sites.
• Contributed to visitor management planning on Skye through responsive visitor demand systems to encourage visitor dispersal to alternative locations on Skye.
• Grown the local visitor and services economy, providing contractors and long-term site-based employment.
• Helped grow the surrounding economy by marketing other heritage-themed destinations through the interpretation and MySkyeTime App.

Following the completion of SISP recent visitor surveys showed that:

• On average visitors rated the quality of the infrastructure as 8.9 out of 10.
• The propensity to recommend the three sites to friends and family was ‘very likely’ with an average rating of 9.3 out of 10 across all sites.
• 88% of respondents said their experience motivated them to visit more destinations on Skye now or in future.
• 76% said that they would like to stay longer on Skye next time.

Recent local community surveys following the completion of SISP showed that:

• An average rating of 8.9 out of 10 was given in terms of agreeing with the statement that ‘the upgraded visitor infrastructure at the Storr, Quiraing and Fairy Pools has enhanced the quality of experience for visitors'.
• An average agreement rating of 8.4 out of 10 was given on whether local community consulting about the content for the interpretation boards has enabled local people to contribute to decisions and promote the identity of the area.
• An average 8.8 out of 10 score was given to the idea that upgrading the visitor infrastructure at the three sites has brought benefits to local people including reduced roadside parking congestion, roadway littering and toileting (The Old Man of Storr and Fairy Pools) and site erosion.
• An average 8.9 out of 10 score was given to the suggestion that upgrading visitor facilities at the three sites has attracted the less mobile and young to enjoy the sites (more fully) via the accessible paths, viewpoints and bridges.
• An average 8.3 out of 10 score was given to the idea that improved visitor facilities are likely to attract users to make longer visits to the three sites and visit Skye for longer overall.
• An average 8.6 out of 10 score was given to the idea that the improved visitor infrastructure at the three sites is contributing to lengthening the tourist season on Skye.
• An average 8.4 out of 10 score was given to the idea that the sites interpretation itself is likely to motivate visitors to visit other heritage locations and centres while on Skye.

What we did

The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project, delivered by High Life Highland in partnership with The Highland Council and in collaboration with VisitScotland, created new digital assets to showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the region through authentic, immersive experiences and a multi-channel marketing campaign.

The digital assets were based on stories from the community and launched on a new web platform (discoverhighlandsandislands.scot). This online space for community storytelling and heritage projects offers inspirational content for visitors to use when planning trips, encouraging visits across the area in all seasons.

Duration

The two-year project leaves a significant digital legacy for the promotion of the distinct natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands & Islands. The website includes audio guides, bespoke itineraries, an interactive map, and VR content showcasing locations and communities across the region to potential visitors.

Communities across the area were involved in advocating for their area through the creation of film and audio pieces including over 550 stories, 36 location- and story-based films, and interactive tour experiences, as well as over 1000 new images and 50 trip inspiration blogs.

Two immersive portal film units were purchased, the first of their kind in the Highlands and Islands, to showcase several 360° films inspired by the natural and cultural landscape of the region. These toured local venues and schools encouraging deeper engagement with people and place, inspiring travel and connection to heritage.

Through the project a major community arts project involving over 600 volunteers created the Tapestry of the Highlands & Islands. This culturally significant artwork for the region is a visual vehicle for storytelling and will tour local venues before being installed in a bespoke gallery in the new Inverness Castle Experience (open 2025).

Where the idea for the project came from

The project developed as a way to extend the new visitor attraction planned for Inverness Castle beyond the castle walls, across the entire Highland & Islands area, that would be accessible to people across the world who are interested in the fantastic nature and cultural heritage of the Highlands & Islands. It supported the pan-regional vision for Inverness Castle to celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of the area – past, present, and future: its creativity, well-being, culture, heritage, and natural environment.

It was also devised as a way to harness tourism as a force for good in the community spreading the social and economic benefit of this to locations who were not currently being promoted and influencing responsible and sustainable travel in the off-season.

How we will support the development and promotion of significant natural and cultural heritage assets

Through the project a significant number of digital assets based on community stories were produced for use in promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of the area. These assets have been used on the website and in a UK marketing campaign led by VisitScotland to encourage visitors to travel in the shoulder season and explore locations across all parts of the area. This included promoting heritage sites, natural landscapes, cultural experiences and local businesses.

Working with regional stakeholders and Destination Management Organisations, natural and cultural heritage assets were promoted through themed itineraries, inclusion of sites and experiences on the website and co-authored travel inspiration blogs.

How local economic and social benefits will be created such as job creation, directly and within supply chains and other related sectors

Three new jobs were created for the duration of the project; 15 contracts were generated for creative interpretation work and digital innovation; the promotion of the Highlands & Islands was supported in the post-COVID tourism recovery period; and responsible and sustainable travel was encouraged, generating greater awareness of opportunities to spend, see and stay, and boosting the local economy.

A website was created for all people who live, work, and visit in the region to share stories and experiences as well as inspire further travel in the Highlands and Islands. It encourages learning showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of the region and highlights projects concerned with mental health and wellbeing by sharing experiences with social benefits.

How the community has helped us develop our ideas

All of the content created for the Spirit of the Highlands & Islands Project was inspired by the community and the stories they submitted. The community including local businesses, schools and heritage organisations featured in location-based films, immersive content, audio, and partnership blogs.

The community also helped to create the Tapestry of the Highlands & Islands, stitching personal stories of the ‘spirit’ of their area to create a unique artwork for the region. This has included participation from local schools who developed an SVQ qualification in textiles by spinning yarn and creating felt stones and other materials for the Tapestry.

Feedback from volunteers and visitors to the immersive tour was very positive and indicated that they enjoyed learning more about the region from an innovative experience being surrounded virtually by locations, wildlife, and history.

How our project fits into the bigger picture in relation local, regional or other development plans

The project benefits local areas through promotion of their natural and cultural heritage assets to a wide audience, encouraging deeper connections between visitors and locals, and wider geographic and seasonal dispersal spreading the economic and social benefits of tourism.

Regionally, the project has helped the post-COVID tourism recovery in the region by investing in new digital assets promoting the authentic story of local areas to new and existing audiences. The project has aligned itself with Scotland’s Outlook 2030 and goals to contribute to sustainable and responsible travel and visitor behaviour, developing the Highlands & Islands as a premier destination to visit in shoulder seasons.

How our project will make a difference to promote and enhance heritage assets and enhance visitor experiences in the long-term

The discoverhighlandsandislands.scot platform will continue to be a vital tool in promoting locations across the Highlands & Islands encouraging connections through storytelling and authentic immersive experiences in the region. The digital assets created through the project provide content for use by local businesses and organisations and for enhancing heritage assets and visitor experiences in the long-term. Placing community at the heart of advocating for their own area is the true legacy of the project in promoting tourism as a force for good in the Highlands & Islands and increasing the social and economic benefit of this to local communities.

The Spirit of the Highlands & Islands Project team would like to thank the European Regional Development Fund and NatureScot for enabling engagement with the community across the Highlands & Islands to produce inspirational creative content which authentically represents and promotes the region.

You can find all the Spirit of the Highlands videos on their Youtube channel.