What can be supported?
The types of project that could be supported include parking, motorhome facilities (including disposal points), viewpoints, paths, toilet provision and EV and e-bike charge points.
Successful applications must support the objectives of Scotland Outlook 2030 and the new National Strategy for Economic Development as well as demonstrate the following:
An existing or anticipated visitor pressure point - As a result of previous or anticipated increases in visitor numbers, there is a visitor and or community pressure point which is likely to continue and needs to be addressed. The applicant should provide evidence of the increase in visitor numbers or anticipated impact of visitor numbers and / or evidence of the impact of visitors on the local area.
That a strategic need is met or gap is addressed by the actions proposed - Priority will be given to early actions identified by the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plans or other strategic plans by Local Authorities, the National Parks, NatureScot or Forestry & Land Scotland. Applicants should provide a strategic content for the project and evidence to support this.
Provision of a quality visitor experience - Provision of high quality visitor facilities and infrastructure, leading to a positive impact on the local landscape and visitor economy is a key criteria for RTIF support. Applicants should demonstrate the commitment to place principles and a quality design which can accommodate visitors with a wide variety of access needs and complies with and where possible exceeds the requirements of the Equality Act.
A responsible tourism approach - Applicants are expected to take a responsible tourism approach to the planning, design, build and management of the infrastructure provision addressing the issues generated as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
A carbon conscious approach - Applications should provide details on how their project will contribute to the reduction / mitigation of climate change and support the transition to a low carbon society i.e. using low carbon materials, energy efficiency, promotion of low carbon transport, renewable energy and waste management in construction and maintenance of the facilities. Applicants should demonstrate their commitment to carbon consciousness where a location reuses, repurposes and considers whole life costs, retrofitting existing structures and considering the embodied carbon in place.
Community capacity building - Creating more resilient communities more able to cope with peak tourism demands and the creation of new local business opportunities.
Effective partnerships and collaboration - Applicants must provide evidence of engagement with local community groups, destination organisations and tourism businesses, demonstrating how partnership working can increase awareness, advocacy and the quality of the final project.
Project viability and deliverability - applicants must provide evidence of:
- Proven experience of project management and financial administration
- A clear timetable for permissions, procurement, site start date and expected time of completion
- A clear delivery plan demonstrating value for money and measurable outputs
- Detailed costs and a budget forecast for the period of the project
If you have any further queries, please email [email protected].
Information about approved projects from each round can be found on this page: