Map could help community projects on NC500 route
A MAP which aims to help communities develop projects following the success of the popular North Coast 500 route has been described as "a valuable tool".
The comment was made by David Whiteford, the chairman of the North Highlands Initiative (NHI), which is behind the initiative and was responsible for the setting up of the route.
He said the interactive map identifies land owned and managed for non-profit purposes in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross-shire and which may be used to help support community projects.
The map is intended to provide a starting point for communities interested in developing tourism-based initiatives along the NC500 by helping them to identify public assets that might be available for transfer or partners who may be interested in a collaborative project.
It includes all land and other assets owned by community groups, public agencies and charities operating in the north Highlands. The map can be used to see what assets may be available, where, who owns them, and other information such as the area it covers.
Mr Whiteford said: "This map provides a valuable tool to communities in the north Highlands to identify potential opportunities to build on the success of the NC500 and develop a sustainable infrastructure and employment opportunities around the route."
The initiative was supported by the Scottish Land Commission which funded an internship.
Sam MacKinnon, a political science graduate, created the map as part of the commission's work to build future research capacity to support land reform.
He said: "With visitors coming to the Highlands to explore the popular driving route, it has been great to create a resource that will hopefully help the region continue to build on and benefit from that success."
Shona Glenn, the commission's head of policy, said: "Working with Sam to create this new map has allowed us to build a valuable new relationship with a young and talented researcher and also helped the NHI in providing a starting point for communities interested in developing tourism-based initiatives."
The map will be made widely available throughout the Highlands to encourage local groups to think about what they might be able to create, who they could work with and how to tap in to the international reputation of the NC 500.
The maps can be accessed through http://www.northhighlandinitiative.co.uk/land-ownership
