Rural tourism integral to pandemic recovery

Stirling MP Alyn Smith and local Councillor Evelyn Tweed have welcomed funding from the SNP Scottish Government to kick-start tourism in areas like Stirling, in preparation for an increase in domestic tourists this year.

The NatureScot Better Places Fund is now open for applications, and will help provide more seasonal rangers, temporary toilets, car parking and campervan facilities to help rural areas such as Stirling welcome back visitors when coronavirus restrictions are eased.

The £2.75 million announcement comes after countryside hotspots saw a marked increase in tourists last year.

Local Councillor Evelyn Tweed said:

‘This year thousands of people will be rethinking their holiday plans, and many will plan on coming to Stirling and so this investment from the Scottish Government to ensure there are enhanced services is very much welcomed.

‘Not only will it provide a warm welcome for tourists visiting but will encourage them to come back again and again, which will only be good for the local economy.’

Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:

‘Stirling has long been supported through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund and I’m pleased that the fourth round of funding will open imminently for applications, so our communities can continue to reap the benefits. Last year saw capacity issues at hotspots across Stirling, so this investment pot will be welcome news indeed.’

Further information here: https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/better-places-green-recovery-fund