Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) - Powerpoint Presentation

• Improvements and expansion of RSPB visitor centre giving improved views of wildlife and Caledonian forest
• Project lies within Cairngorms National Park and is home to around 5000 species; roughly 20% are nationally rare or scarce
• Natural light and solar heat enables the current opening season to lengthen from 5 months to 8 months
• New interpretation improves visitor experience and promotes a range of habitats and wildlife
• Interpretation for Big Pines and Two Lochs trails
• Introduction of a new programme of talks, walks and activities

• West Highland College UHI will develop a website, app and programme of digital exhibitions along the west coast of Scotland.
• Stories of coastal communities will convey how maritime cultural, and natural heritage helped to shape the world.
• West Highland College UHI will gather and map local stories from coastal communities to inspire potential visitors by developing:
• a multi-destination digital application to attract people to come to the less-visited areas of the west coast of Scotland
• a programme of digital exhibitions along the west coast of Scotland

Trees for Life is rewilding the Scottish Highlands by saving and restoring the globally unique Caledonian Forest

• Dundreggan Estate was purchased in 2008 and is now a hub for forest restoration
• A new centre will be open all year, and for longer hours, encouraging extended stays in the area
• This project will promote enjoyment of an ancient pinewood and Gaelic history
• Trees for Life will create a hub that features:
• interpretation about Dundreggan’s natural heritage
• engagement with Gaelic culture
• forest play facilities, accessible walks and trails
• learning, outdoor events, indoor study and research
• improvements to the wider natural heritage.

National Trust for Scotland will transform the visitor experience at Corrieshalloch Gorge through a new, world-class visitor centre that will be the gateway to the rich natural heritage of the Gorge and the Falls of Measach.

With over 138,000 visitors per year improving visitor amenities has become a key priority for National Trust for Scotland at the site of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the UK. 

A National Trust for Scotland project to create a new visitor centre as a gateway for Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach.

New paths, improved parking and signage will be developed.

Lews Castle College UHI and Uibhist Virtual Archaeology Project will create a series of augmented reality experiences and mixed-media exhibitions for seven archaeological sites along the Hebridean Way walking route.

A research project with the University of the Highlands and Islands will tell the story of the people of Ulva and the wider impact they have had on the world. The project will:

• draw visitors to the island and become a flagship for wider plans to regenerate Ulva - restore Ulva House Garden with volunteers
• conserve, enhance, interpret and make more accessible the island’s outstanding environmental assets

This project will transform Kilmartin Museum into the principal heritage and cultural venue on Argyll’s west coast.

Visitor facilities will be improved and state of the art interpretation developed within the museum and Kilmartin Glen.

This project will create an inspiring museum in which to demonstrate the internationally important story of Kilmartin Glen

• Increased capacity and improved flow of visitors in a better visitor experience
• Improved outdoor and digital interpretation will celebrate this heritage asset
• Partnership working to preserve, manage and promote the Museum’s Artefact Collections, local monuments and landscape

Strathnaver Museum

The refurbishment and renovation of the museum as a heritage hub for North Scotland.

The improvement of the retail and research space will help secure the future of the museum by improving the sustainability of the organisation.

The creation of a heritage hub for North Scotland will:

• improve the physical condition of the historic church which houses the museum
• improve the visitor experience
• secure the condition and integrity of the collection
•  increase the services offered on site and extend outreach work across the area
•  increase the number of staff.

An Orkney Islands Council project creating improved access to heritage sites

High-quality interpretation and dedicated trails to heritage sites across the smaller isles of the Orkney archipelago. 

Project highlights the smaller isles of Hoy, Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Shapinsay, Eday, Stronsay, Sanday, Westray, Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay

A wealth of archaeology and historic sites are key visitor attractions and this project increases awareness of internationally stunning heritage assets

Archaeology Scotland will work with the West Ardnamurchan Community to develop their Adopt-a-Monument scheme to create a trail and tourist hubs.

These will improve physical and digital experiences, improve the condition and maintenance of ten heritage sites and develop ‘slow tourism’ adventures for visitors.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland plan to create a centre to showcase the richness and diversity of our native wildlife and its place in the world.

The centre, at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, near Kingussie, will become a gateway to the landscape and wildlife of the Cairngorms National Park.

The installation, by NatureScot, of boardwalks in this popular area will reinstate the historic route to Muckle Flugga lighthouse signalling station.

This will create a circular walk around Hemaness National Nature Reserve whilst protecting fragile blanket bog and rare nesting birds.

The Outdoor Access Trust will provide improvements to infrastructure and interpretation at three iconic sites – the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Fairy Pools.

Each site will have improved and more inclusive access, viewpoints, and better coordinated information to give high quality visitor experiences.