Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop welcomed the news when she visited the Highlands.
THE Scottish Government has asked Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to establish a multi-million- pound Challenge Fund to protect and promote the Highlands and Islands natural and cultural heritage assets.
SNH has been invited to apply for European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) to support the sustainable development of the rich and varied natural and cultural assets in the Highlands and Islands, targeting the more rural parts of the region.