Colin Smyth MSP
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news that £2.73m of lottery funding has been confirmed for Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership.
The funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) confirmed this week will go towards the Partnership’s plans which aim to reconnect local people and communities with the area’s natural beauty. It involves local villages and communities in conserving and restoring the built and natural heritage across an area of 262 miles around the Dee and Ken valleys. Features will include new paths, watersport facilities and visitor centres to support the local tourist economy. There will also be training for local young people in heritage and business skills while local businesses will be supported in promoting nature-based tourism.
Commenting on the news Colin Smyth said, ” I recall being Chairman of the Councils’ Environment Committee at the time council staff came forward with the innovative idea for this project and it’s fantastic to see their vision and foresight now being rewarded by this huge investment. Now that funding is in place, it’s vital for the partnership to ensure that the projects being developed behind the scenes get started on the ground as early as possible and the plans become a reality”.