Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider FRI 25TH APR 2025    7:06:51 PM BST
This site uses cookies, by continuing to use this site you accept the terms of our privacy policy
Back To Top
Caithness.Org Quick Links
Home
Construction
Leisure
Manufacturing
Misc.
Primary
Professional
Public
Retail
Tourism
Transport
Site Map
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Feed 2.0 Loading...

Funding Releases Huge Boost For Marine Tourism

8th June 2010

The Highland Council has agreed funding of �100,000 over the next three years to complete a funding package which will expand the marine tourism industry between the west of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. This will see new infrastructure and ancillary harbour services provided at Mallaig and Lochaline and project development work carried out for Kinlochleven, Inverie and the Small Isles.

The total project value, including marketing and infrastructure schemes in the three countries, is 7.4 million euros, attracting 6.2 million euros of grant funding from the EU Interreg IV funding scheme.

The Sail West project will create a marine leisure centre of excellence in the coastal zone and provide employment opportunities as well as rejuvenate coastal communities. The lead partner is Donegal County Council with 23 partners involved in the project including The Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Local Members for Wards 12 and 22 have confirmed that they will contribute approximately �30,000 over the next three years from their ward discretionary budgets and the Planning and Development Service will provide �30,000 over a two year period from its existing fisheries budget. The remaining �40,879 will come from the Council's Capital Discretionary Fund.

Highland Council Leader Michael Foxley welcomed the Resources Committee decision to provide the last brick in the wall funding. He said: "This funding will allow for a very important link to be made connecting the north west coast of Ireland and Northern Ireland to the west coast of Scotland. Successful joint marketing of these areas, including the whole west coast of Lochaber is a key element of the project. Given the decline of the fishing industry, it is essential that we diversify and enable our harbours to attract leisure boats. The marine leisure industry is a growing area of tourism and this is an exciting vision which will bring a swathe of benefits to fragile coastal communities and the entire west coast will become a magnet for the sailing fraternity."

Proposals for improvements to Mallaig Harbour include the creation of 25 pontoon berths, parking, winter boat storage, toilets and laundry facilities. A further 8 visitor moorings are planned for Lochaline with development work proposed for Kinlochleven Inverie and the Small Isles.

Alison Gainsford, head of business growth with HIE's Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross team, said: "Sail West is a fantastic initiative that will deliver improved facilities, boost visitor figures and raise the profile of a number of communities on the west coast of the Highlands and Islands. By working with partner organisations in Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, HIE has been able to support a bid for �6.2m of European money towards the �7.4m project through the Interreg funding scheme. We are delighted that Highland Councillors have approved this contribution. Their support is vital to delivering the significant benefits this scheme will deliver for the region's marine tourism industry."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Yesterday
The Highland Council must focus on delivering its ambitions for the regionThumbnail for article : The Highland Council must focus on delivering its ambitions for the region
An ambitious plan to improve transport, roads and buildings, as well as a greater shift to using digital to deliver services, has the potential to transform the Highland Council's services over the next 20 years.   Delivering its capital programme could prove challenging.  
23/4/2025
"Call" for Development Sites in Highland - deadline approaching
Anyone wishing to gain Council endorsement of a significant building project in Highland should consider responding to the current Call for Development Sites.   Every 10 years, each council in Scotland must, for its area, prepare a planning document called a local development plan.  
22/4/2025
Highland Council appoints Chief Officer Education - Primary and Early YearsThumbnail for article : Highland Council appoints Chief Officer Education - Primary and Early Years
The Highland Council has appointed Bernadette Scott as Chief Officer Education - Primary and Early Years.   The appointment completes the new senior management structure of the Council's People Service Cluster under the leadership of Kate Lackie, Assistant Chief Executive – People.  
22/4/2025
Timetable for Highland Council By-Elections Confirmed
The timetable for the election of one Councillor to represent Ward 6 Cromarty Firth and one Councillor for Ward 10 Eilean a' Cheò on The Highland Council has been confirmed.   The by-elections are being held following the resignations of former Councillors Maxine Smith from Ward 6 and Calum Munro from Ward 10.  
14/4/2025
Council's In-house Bus Service expands into CaithnessThumbnail for article : Council's In-house Bus Service expands into Caithness
The Highland Council is pleased to announce that from Monday 21 April it's in-house bus team will be delivering the 918 Wick to Berriedale service.   This is the first venture for the in-house bus company outside of the Inverness area since the successful introduction and launch of Highland Council Buses.  
14/4/2025
The closure of radio teleswitching explained
The Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) is due to end on Monday 30 June 2025.   If your electricity meter uses RTS, it must be replaced.  
9/4/2025
Convener thanks those who took part in Highland Visitor Levy Consultation and confirms next steps
Following the conclusion of the public consultation on the possible introduction of a visitor levy for the Highlands, the Council Convener has thanked everyone who submitted responses and confirmed the next steps to be taken.   The Council held a series of webinars, community drop-in events, face to face public sessions and business events as part of the consultation process.  
2/4/2025
Highland screen industry attracts over £3.5M growth in direct film spendThumbnail for article : Highland screen industry attracts over £3.5M growth in direct film spend
Continuing with the trend over the past few years, Highland has seen the highest ever direct spend recorded for filming in The Highland Council region.  In 2024, figures surpassed previous years to reach over £3.5million in direct spend.  
2/4/2025
Highland Council Charitable Trusts award over £100,000 to schools and community groups
At the recently held meeting of the Educational Trusts Sub Committee, the trustees made awards of over £105,000 to a wide variety of individuals and organisations from The Highland Council Charitable Trusts.   The awards ranged from a few hundred pounds to £10,000.  
31/3/2025
Highland council Increasing charges from 1 April
Highland Council is implementing several changes to service charges in 2025: Council Rent Charges: An 8% increase has been agreed for council homes to address rising costs and fund housing improvements.  The average weekly rent for council homes will rise to £82.84, which is still below the national average.