Nine projects across the Highlands and Islands are to benefit from a shared funding pot worth £5million.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grants are given to promote the outstanding scenery, wildlife and culture of the area and will be distributed through the Natural Cultural and Heritage Fund, led by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Announcing the funding pot was Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who visited Wildlife Watch Abernethy which has been granted just over £252,000 which will create three new jobs for locals as well as allowing the centre in the Cairngorms to expand.
Ms Hyslop said: “Tourism is a major part of the Highland and Islands’ economies and it’s essential that its social and economic benefits are shared as widely as possible.
“This fund will create jobs and help projects in remote areas, like Wildlife Watch Abernethy, to enhance their offer to the millions of people who visit the region every year.”
Multiple attractions along the country’s famed North Coast 500 will benefit including a new visitor centre and improved car parking facility at Corrieshalloch Gorge Gateway to Nature.
West Highland College UHI, Trees for Life at Dundreggan, Lews Castle College, Kilmartin Museum, Storas Ulbha on Mull, Strathnaver Museum and Orkney Island’s Council access to Orkney Heritage project have all also received a share of the funding.