Pictured: North Highland Initiative chair David Whiteford (left) and Scottish actor, James (Jimmy) Yuill from Golspie, who is backing the NHI’s Highland Time campaign. Picture: Trevor Martin

North Highland Initiative (NHI) has thrown its support behind the creation of 10 new seasonal access ranger posts for the Highlands.

The posts – covering all parts of the north including Caithness – are being developed as part of Highland Council’s £1.5 million visitor management strategy.

NHI is confident that the new seasonal access rangers will help with visitor management when lockdown ends and travel restrictions are lifted by the Scottish Government.

The organisation also believes the new ranger service will help support its own work on enhancing the visitor experience and community infrastructure in the area.

David Whiteford, chair of NHI, said: “We fully support the decision of our partners at Highland Council to make significant investment in the Highland Visitor Management Strategy, including the creation of 10 new seasonal access ranger posts. We also share their long-term vision for the economic growth and recovery of the north Highlands, which relies on tourism income to support livelihoods.

“NHI is continuing to work with Highland Council, VisitScotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and community representatives during lockdown to help address visitor management concerns and infrastructure investment in preparation for the re-opening the north Highlands to visitors this summer and beyond.