This will contribute to a planned £3.9M funding package over the next five years, and will enable the partnership to commence the first stage of delivery of 18 projects, bringing environmental, social and economic investment to the Glen and Ben Nevis area.

The second-round award is a great achievement following on from a very busy and demanding project development phase which has been managed by a small, dedicated and hard working team, Tristan Semple, Manager, Teresa de Billot, Administrator and Jane Morrison, graduate, who assisted in the formation of the Landscape Conservation Action Plan, an outstanding landscape analysis and management and business plan.

Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: “Scotland’s mountain heritage attracts an ever-growing number of walkers, climbers and tourists each year, nowhere more so than the iconic Nevis. Although this is a significant boon to our tourist economy, we have to balance it with the conservation of our landscape, its flora and its fauna so that it is safe for future generations to enjoy. We are delighted to support a project which will allow thousands of people to visit the great outdoors without damaging the special environment that they have come to enjoy.”

Patricia Jordan, Chairman of the Nevis Landscape Partnership, said: "We thank all our partnership organisations, directors and advisers and individual contributors. Their enhanced support, dedication and enthusiasm for this beautiful area has greatly contributed to the successful second-round award. Visitor management and environmental repair work is a necessity to protect and enhance the area for future generations, not only for the local community but as a national necessity. We now look forward to exciting times ahead entering into the project delivery phase in a much stronger position with our new partners.“

Tristan Semple, Nevis Partnership Manager, said: “The Nevis Landscape Partnership (NLP) builds on over 10 years of collaborative work in the area. As a national treasure and a resource for all of Scotland’s people, this iconic landscape deserves investment far beyond the means of local stakeholders and community. Scotland’s natural heritage is world renowned, and the development of more sustainable tourism is critical in securing a healthy environment and a thriving economy. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and through a partnership approach to managing the landscape, this scheme will unlock social and financial resources that would not otherwise be available. A collective approach to land management is the only way large-scale challenges like climate change, sustainability and community resilience can be met effectively in the long-term. This is a great achievement for all involved and for everyone who cares about our greatest mountain.”

Notes to editors:

The Nevis Landscape Partnership is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage, The Highland Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, John Muir Trust, and Lochaber Chamber of Commerce.

Further information

Please contact Shiona Mackay on 01786 870 638 or 07779 142 890, email: shionamackay1@btinternet.com or Jon Williams on 020 7591 6035, email: jonw@hlf.org.uk.

Nevis Partnership: The Manager on 01397 701 088, email: info@nevispartnership.co.uk or Patricia Jordan, Chairman on 07753 529 450