The “astounding” scenery of part of the Highlands is to get £3million of lottery cash to protect its unique landscape.
The Coigach and Assynt areas of Sutherland and Wester Ross are best known for their spectacular mountains, including the Munros of Ben More Assynt and Conival and the impressive Torridonian sandstone peak of Stac Pollaidh.
Their mountains, moorlands, lochs and coastline also provide habitats for important native species, such as golden eagles, wildcats, black-throated divers and freshwater pearl mussels. And it is hoped the award, announced by the Heritage Lottery Fund yesterday, will bring long-term social, economic and environmental benefits to the area.
Coigach-Assynt Living Landscape (Call) – a partnership project involving the Scottish Wildlife Trust and local groups and conservation organisations covering an area of 234 square miles – will now get £100,000 development funding as the first step towards the £3million grant. The project involves restoring parts of the landscape, including regenerating and reconnecting the remaining native woodland, restoring blanket bog and heath moor, and repairing and improving pathways.
Other work will include excavating and preserving the internationally significant Iron Age settlement at Clachtoll Broch. The partnership will now use the £100,000 to produce a fully-developed application to secure the full award.
Viv Halcrow, project manager of the Call, said: “It will not only benefit the natural, cultural and built environment, but could help to increase integration between communities, landowners, and organisations.”