IFF wins Heritage Lottery Fund award for eight new heritage trails

 

Inner Forth Futures has received a National Lottery grant of £47,000 for an exciting heritage project, called Wanderings and Windings. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project will enable the creation of eight heritage trails around Stirling, Falkirk, Fife and Clackmannanshire, encouraging people to explore the wildlife and history of this unique landscape at the heart of Scotland.

The project, with a total value of £67,000, aims to work closely with local communities around the Inner Forth to develop a suite of eight, day-long, waymarked and promoted walks and cycles. They will use existing paths and tracks to encourage local people and visitors to the area to explore the landscape and discover some of the many hidden gems to be found around the Inner Forth. These might include nature hotspots, historic buildings, riverside views, cultural landmarks or simply places to escape from the bustle of urban life.

The former Inner Forth Landscape Initiative partnership of Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, Central Scotland Green Network Trust and Sustrans has now been joined by Fife Council, to work as Inner Forth Futures, and aims to build on the legacy of IFLI.

Commenting on the award, Dave Beaumont, RSPB Regional Director, and Chair of the Board of Inner Forth Futures, said: ‘Not enough people realise what a special place the Inner Forth is. We have internationally important wetlands, the first industrial-scale distillery in Scotland, the country’s biggest limekilns, beautiful wildflower meadows, ancient towers and many, many miles of fantastic paths and tracks to explore. This award will make it possible for us to work with the local people who know this area better than anyone to create a range of accessible, fascinating and fun day-long walks and cycles to tempt people off the beaten track to discover some of Scotland’s best kept heritage secrets. We’re delighted, and so grateful to everyone who has helped to make it possible.’

Ríona McMorrow, Acting Head of HLF Scotland, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF is able to help communities learn about and take pride in their local heritage. Learning about history can be rewarding, fascinating and fun, and Inner Forth Wanderings and Windings is no exception.”

Image: Robert Trevis-Smith/IFLI