David Mackay
A funding bid has been launched to bring astronomy and heritage tourism to Moray.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority has submitted £3.6million proposals to invest in projects designed to attract more visitors to the world-famous area.
Money from the Heritage Lottery Fund could be used to transform the Tomintoul Museum and Visitor Centre, stabilise Blairfindy Castle and help the area achieve Dark Sky status for its incredible starscapes.
The authority’s board member Eleanor Mackintosh explained: “The prospect of an investment of over £3million in Tomintoul and Glenlivet is very exciting.
“If the bid is successful it will be a massive boost, not just for the immediate area, but the wider national park.
“Not only can we expect new and improved facilities and infrastructure, along with other community events and projects, but we’re also going to see new job opportunities emerge.”
Bidders are expected to find out in September whether their application to the fund has been successful.
As part of the proposals, the 18th Century Scalan seminary could be transformed into a tourist destination with an upgrade to the Speyside Way Spur allowing walkers better access between attractions.
Mark Finnie, chairman of Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust, said: “The communities have worked incredibly hard to demonstrate the community and public support that make this such a strong application.
“The £3.6million application presents many opportunities for new and existing businesses in the area.”