The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded over £2 million to support regeneration projects in Cairngorms National Park.

The £2.34m grant will be used to take forward 20 projects over a four-year period in Tomintoul and Glenlivet.

The Tomintoul and Glenlivet Landscape Partnership (TGLP) plans to carry out a number of schemes, including:

• Redeveloping Tomintoul Museum into a Discovery Centre and tourist hub

• Conserving and improving visitor safety at Blairfindy Castle and Scalan

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• Restoring woodland along sections of the River Avon and creating wetland habitats

• Delivering path improvements in the area.

Lucy Casot, Head of the HLF in Scotland, said: "The National Lottery is ensuring that Tomintoul and Glenlivet's spectacular landscape remains one of our greatest national assets, attracting visitors and making a vital contribution to Scotland's tourist economy."

Steve Smith is the chair of the TGLP, added: "This award is the result of much hard work by the organisations that form the Landscape Partnership and the many volunteers from within the community who have made this such a success. I look forward to continue working with all of these people to implement the projects which will not only enhance and preserve our landscape and heritage but also bring economic benefits to our community."

(LM)