Historic Scotland: Inner Forth is set for huge boost after £1.9 million award to revitalise the area

Edinburgh, Scotland, 2014-03-27 — /Travel PR News/ — The historic and natural environment of the Inner Forth is set for a huge boost, following the awarding of £1.9 million to revitalise the area.

The money was given to the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (ILFI): a four year series of 50 projects, aiming to improve access to heritage sites, manage important wildlife habitats, and work with community groups to research local cultural and industrial heritage.

The initiative is made up of, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Historic Scotland, Falkirk Council, Stirling Council, Clackmannanshire Council, Central Scotland Forest Trust, Sustrans, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The money was awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Graeme Bell, Head of Conservation at Historic Scotland said: ““The Inner Forth is an area of great natural and historical importance. Thanks to support from the HLF for the programme, HS, as partners, can look forward to working with local communities to ensure the Historic environment is conserved for this and future generations to enjoy.”

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “Nature lies at the very heart of what makes Scotland special but the enormous pressures upon it mean that we have to approach its restoration and conservation on a bigger scale than ever before. Our Landscape Partnership programme does just that, and more, and we are delighted that the Inner Forth will benefit from this approach. The area is often perceived as devoid of interest because of its industrial character when in fact its natural resources and meandering river make it rich in both built and natural heritage. The IFLI will help people reconnect with what lies overlooked on their doorstep, taking pride in their community while helping conserve and protect the heritage around them.”

The Forth is internationally recognised as an important site for wildlife, with expansive mudflats providing refuge for thousands of wildfowl and wading birds in winter.

The landscape has also been home to Scotland’s industries for centuries, with evidence of ancient ports and harbours, salt pans, limekilns, mining and whisky production, sitting alongside the industries of today.

Anne McCall, Regional Director for RSPB Scotland, said: “There is huge potential within this landscape for conservation and restoration of not only natural heritage sites, but also those of built and cultural heritage value. Working with communities and partners is a key focus for the IFLI team and through this we believe we can improve and increase access to the Inner Forth landscape for current and future residents and visitors.”

The IFLI consists of 50 individual projects that will run until 2018. These include plans to improve access to heritage sites such as Clackmannan Tower and Black Devon Wetlands; enhancement of Wester Moss and Fallin Bing; management of important wildlife habitats at Bo’ness and Kinneil Estate; and work by community groups across the area to research local mining and trading history.

A full list of all the IFLI projects, along with further information, can be found on the website:www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk

Notes for editors:

• Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

• Register for media release email alerts from www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/news. If you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email hs.website@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

• Scotland welcomes the world in the Year of Homecoming 2014 providing a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games. The Year of Homecoming Scotland will run until 31 December 2014 throughout the length and breadth of the country. Visitors from around the world are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage. Homecoming Scotland 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, supported by numerous partners. To find out more visit www.homecomingscotland.com

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For further information
Alan Bannon
Communications and Media Officer
Communications and Media
0131 668 8588 or 07854 366 805
alan.bannon@scotland.gsi.gov.uk