SOUTH Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the announcement of a major funding boost for the conservation, restoration and development of the Solway coastline.
The Solway Coast and Marine Landscape Connections Project (SCAMP) will receive £1.4m to shape plans which will help unlock a further £6.4m.
It is the first project to secure support through the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) £150m Landscape Connections initiative.
The project is the first of around 20 across the UK which will be supported by the Heritage Fund through Landscape Connections, a long-term, large scale investment initiative aimed at boosting nature recovery, allowing rural economies to thrive, and connecting more people to our most treasured places.
Mr Smyth said: “This funding boost for the conservation, restoration and development of the beautiful Solway coastline is very welcome.
“The SCAMP project is led by the council in partnership with seven other nature organisations and with this funding, will hopefully help preserve the Solway coastline for future generations.
“Our region boasts some amazing and very varied landscapes, including the coast, and it is so important that we work to ensure it remains for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.
“The news that this money will create 120 miles of coastal trails is also very welcome. I look forward to seeing how this project unfolds.”
Above – young coastodian Shane, National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland Caroline Clark, Stuart McMillan, head of Economy and Environment at Dumfries and Galloway Council and Karen Morley, SCAMP programme manage at Powfoot
