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Wildlife tourism in the Scottish Hebrides has received a boost thanks to a major grant from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.
Wildlife tourism in the Scottish Hebrides has received a boost thanks to a major grant from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund to develop a community based ecotourism scheme.
Recent research has revealed an exciting diversity of marine life in the Hebrides. Photo: HWDTConservation charity Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) has been awarded £120,000 from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund enabling it to launch an ecotourism project in 15 island communities across the Hebrides.
HWDT’s Sea Change project will aim to strengthen conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as cetaceans – and develop the region’s appeal as a major destination for wildlife tourism.
It is planned that the Sea Change project will be carried out on Mull, Coll and Tiree, Islay and Jura, Colonsay, Barra, Small Isles (Eigg, Muck, Rum, Canna), Mallaig and Arisaig, and in two locations on Skye. Each of these communities attracts tourism and has seen an increase in wildlife tourism in recent years.
>> New research reveals exciting diversity of marine life in the Hebrides
Spotting cetaceans on HWDT’s unique research yacht Silurian. Photo: HWDTThe project will aim to engage coastal communities in learning, training and volunteering so they can develop stronger links their marine environment, and invest in its sustainable use for the long-term benefit of local people.
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