MANY of Scotland’s most popular nature sites are set to receive a staffing boost this summer.
Scottish Government funding of almost £1.5 million is being put towards supporting better visitor management and the safeguarding of the environment for visitors and local communities.
The NatureScot Better Places Green Recovery funding will go directly to 48 countryside, coast and island projects across Scotland, allowing for an additional 94 rangers and 15 visitor operations staff to be employed this summer.
Environment Minister Màiri McAllan said: “It’s great to see and hear the breadth of organisations that are receiving support from this funding.
“The Scottish Government is in constant dialogue with relevant parties about the challenges caused by large numbers of campervans and wild campers in key hot spot areas and it’s clear that the countryside rangers are having a significant positive impact in educating and encouraging visitors on how they can enjoy the countryside responsibly.”
It is hoped the funding will help promote the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) and help to manage visitor pressure in the areas across Scotland including Highland Perthshire, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and Loch Ken in Dumfries and Galloway.
Funding has been awarded to 35 organisations – 10 community groups, 13 local authorities, nine voluntary sector bodies, two countryside trusts and one private company.
NatureScot’s Paths and Projects Manager Bridget Jones said: “This staffing boost to support the management of Scotland’s busiest and most popular natural and scenic areas is great news for everyone this summer.
“Scotland’s landscapes and wildlife are one of our biggest visitor attractions and with this investment we can connect people with nature and help everyone responsibly enjoy some of the country’s most spectacular locations, while ensuring that we protect and respect the places we visit.”
