First Minister Alex Salmond has confirmed £280,000 is to go towards supporting two Geoparks.

One is located in Shetland and the other in the North West Highlands.

The investment, which will be provided over two years, will allow the Geoparks to continue as valuable members of the UNESCO supported Global and European Geoparks Network.

Speaking from Shetland, Mr Salmond said: "Throughout history, deserts, seas and volcanoes have all left their mark on our landscape creating the varied and interesting environment that can influence every part of life. For a country our size, Scotland has some of the most varied geology in the world.

"Geoparks are a fantastic place to investigate our rocks and terrain, to discover how our history has help shape the landscapes we see across Scotland today.


"We know that our geology in Scotland is unparalleled across the world in terms of its quality and we should all value our geodiversity. I am delighted to announce funding of £280,000 to support these two Geoparks in Shetland and the North West highlands.

"This announcement demonstrates that the Scottish Government is delivering on a national and local level for communities across Scotland especially in this year, the Year of Natural Scotland."

A Geopark is an area of outstanding geological heritage. Geoparks use this heritage to benefit local people and promote sustainable development via tourism and education initiatives. Not only do they have significant geological features, they also demonstrate close links between geodiversity and natural and cultural heritage.

Brian Gregson, Chairman of Geopark Shetland, added: "Geopark Shetland is delighted to have secured this support from the Scottish Government. It enables us to continue delivering social and economic benefits to the Shetland Community through lifelong learning and geotourism.

"It also allows us to capitalise on the many development opportunities that result from being a member of the Global Geoparks Network, supported by UNESCO. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government and the North West Highlands Geopark over the next two years to ensure the long term sustainability of the Scottish Geoparks."

(JP/MH)