The Hynish Trust project is one of three exciting tourism projects in Argyll and Bute’s island communities that are being taken forward for a new round of applications to the Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).

The project was one of 11 Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development (STID) proposals initially developed by local community groups and charities across nine of the region’s islands. The outcome of the project application for car park expansion and improved signage will be announced later this year.

The council’s Policy Lead for Business Development, Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, said: “Maximising our tourism offering is a top priority but we also have to remain mindful of the impact which increased numbers of visitors can have on our island communities and the local environment.

“Each of the projects in the STID Plan have grown out of extensive consultation with people and organisations within local communities and, in taking forward these three projects, we hope to be able to enhance and upgrade facilities at some of our most attractive island tourism areas.”

Launched by the Scottish Government via VisitScotland, the aim of RTIF is to help tackle pressures from increased numbers of tourists in fragile areas.

Argyll and Bute Council has, to date, successfully secured £1.98m of funding from RTIF for a number of projects.

If successful, the Hynish Trust plan to use local contractors as much as possible to deliver this project.