This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Euro funds working for Argyll Forest Park
14/03/2003
On his first visit to the Argyll Forest Park, Deputy
Finance Minister Peter Peacock today praised the diversity
of the work being undertaken within the park to ensure
easier access and better facilities for visitors.
The Access Improvement project has benefited from
European Regional Development Funding of £577,500 announced
last year.
Mr Peacock said:
"I am greatly impressed by the work being done here to
improve access and facilities in the Argyll Forest Park. It
is good to see first hand the impact European funds can
have on such a project.
"The sheer scale of the project is highly impressive.
Work been done to improve access to roads and car parks,
forest walks, cycle and horse riding routes as well as
improved information points to ensure visitors can make
best use of the facilities on offer.
"The area has much to offer tourists as well as the
people of Scotland with its spectacular rugged hills and
scenic lochs and it is a real favourite for walkers,
cyclists and campers. It will provide a welcome boost for
the local communities who will benefit from an increase in
tourism."
The Argyll Forest Park Access Improvement project has
been funded under the Highlands and Islands Special
Transitional Programme. The European Commission approved
this programme in August 2000. It provides around €300
million (£185 million) over the 2000 - 2006 period to
support projects that contribute to the economic
development of the area. The programme establishes a broad
framework for the period and sets out priorities and
targets against which applicants bring forward
projects.
This project was considered by the Programme Monitoring
Committee in August 2001 and was approved in February
2002.
Further information about this project and others
receiving European Funding in Highlands and wards can be
obtained from the Programme Management Executive on 01463
228929.