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Visit Scotland | Alba

The Scottish Government established the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) in 2018. We manage the fund, six rounds thus far, on its behalf.

The fund aims to improve the visitor experience in rural parts of Scotland that have seen large increases in visitor numbers. In particular, it aims to help address pressure on local infrastructure or any negative impacts on communities. It does this by:

  • supporting the provision of extra facilities to meet visitor needs
  • dispersing visitors from hotspot areas
  • creating lower impact visits

£20 million of grant funding was awarded to 75 projects across rural Scotland since the start of the fund. It has also helped to leverage more than £15.5 million in additional funding for these rural areas.

The fund has supported the development of 25 Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plans, which:

  • take a more strategic approach to visitor infrastructure development
  • align with the objectives of Scotland's national strategies
  • inform the fund's priorities

While work on a range of projects continues in 2024-2025, the fund is not currently accepting any new applications.

Scotland's national strategies

What does RTIF support?

The fund exists to support the delivery of more responsible tourism actions. It helps to leverage additional investment for rural areas facing increased visitor demand. It stimulates collaboration in these areas to address climate change as Scotland transitions to a low carbon economy. 

Funding is focused on developing infrastructure to improve visitor management, such as:

  • low carbon transport
  • multi-use paths
  • toilets and motorhome facilities
  • visitor information signage

The fund does not support revenue activity such as the provision of rangers services, marketing, maintenance etc.

Contact our team with queries

Approved projects in Central Scotland

This includes projects in Fife, Loch Lomond, Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley, and Perthshire.

Approved projects in the Highlands (islands), Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, and Shetland

This includes projects in the Highlands (islands) Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, and Shetland.

Approved projects in the Highlands (mainland)

This includes projects in the Highlands (mainland).

Approved projects in Northeast Scotland

This includes projects in Aberdeenshire, Dundee & Angus, and Moray Speyside.

Approved projects in Southeast Scotland

This includes projects in Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh & the Lothians, and the Scottish Borders.

Approved projects in West Scotland

This includes projects in Argyll & The Isles, Ayrshire & Arran, and Greater Glasgow & the Clyde Valley.

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