£300,000 for tourist project on Orkney

A PROJECT to promote Orkney as a global tourist destination has been awarded more than £300,000 of European money.

RSPB Scotland said it welcomed the grant for its Enjoy Wild Orkney scheme to promote the islands as a wildlife tourism spot to the UK and the rest of the world. The money will also be used to encourage people to learn about and explore the natural heritage of the islands.

RSPB Scotland said the grant from the European Regional Development Fund would allow locals and visitors to take part in field teaching with educational staff, get close to local species and download podcasts and apps to help them interpret the local wildlife while on the move around the islands.

Andy Knight, RSPB Scotland’s Orkney reserve manager, said: “We’ve had tremendous support from communities across Orkney for the bid.”