Projects delivered by Cairngorms National Park Authority and NatureScot have received  £1,347,018 from the Scottish Government, part of a total allocation of £23million restoration financial packaged for 2026/2027.

Stuart MacQuarrie, NatureScot Director of Nature and Climate Change, said:

“This vital funding supports more people across Scotland to take action for nature. From helping to manage land for chough on Islay to supporting the restoration of native oysters and creating meadows for wildlife in our towns and cities, these local efforts combine to create a national drive to save nature.

“And by working to restore biodiverse habitats, manage deer sustainably and tackle the invasive species that threaten our native animal and plant life, we can look forward with hope, to a future where Scotland’s nature is healthy and thriving.”

The funding has already been delivered to partner organisations and local authorities and will use local contractors.

Cairngorms National Park Authority:

• wildfire recovery and nature restoration work following the Abernethy wildfire (£150,100: £128,100 capital, £22,000 resource)
• Edendon river restoration project (£150,000 capital)

NatureScot:

• native oyster restoration and chough habitat restoration on Islay (£125,000: £115,000 capital, £10,000 resource)
• deer management support, including the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society low ground venison supply chain project and the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park deer incentive scheme (£150,000 resource)
• priority habitat restoration work in four National Nature Reserves (£145,000 resource), supporting peatland restoration, coastal habitats and improved deer management
• invasive non-native species projects (£138,000 resource), supporting control work, training and monitoring to help detect and respond to outbreaks before they become established
• Species Rich Grasslands Funding to support the creation of urban meadows (£240,000 capital)
• restoration work at Polmaddy Burn (Kirkudbrightshire), Selcoth Burn (Galloway) and Findhorn river (Forres) – (£248,918.00 capital) which include improvements to river flow, habitat restoration, floodwater storage, woodland restoration and deer management

Climate Action Secretary in the Scottish Government Gillian Martin spoke of the funding at the 9th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities at COP17 in Armenia. She said:

“This funding will support practical action, from improving habitats and rivers to tackling invasive species and supporting sustainable land management. 

“It will also help recovery efforts in the Cairngorms following one of the most significant wildfire events in recent years, strengthening the resilience of these landscapes for the future.

“Being here in Armenia alongside subnational governments and cities from around the world is a reminder that nature recovery is a shared global challenge.

“Scotland is committed to turning its ambitions for nature and climate into action, both at home and on the international stage, and this investment will help deliver real benefits for our environment, wildlife and communities.”

Nature Restoration Fund : Since its launch in 2021, the Nature Restoration Fund has awarded over £65 million, including to more than 300 projects through the competitive fund run by NatureScot.