A new scheme in Scotland and Wales is giving rural communities the chance to local tourism. Imagining New Futures Together is a National Lottery backed programme, which organisers say will help communities feel empowered to shape the future of their area.

The programme will bring people from all backgrounds together to share their dreams and aspirations for the future tourism of their area, and will initially involve eight rural communities in Wales and another eight communities in Scotland.

Applications will be open to members of rural communities in Scotland and Wales who are keen to develop an active tourism plan and pave the way for new ideas. A series of facilitated visioning sessions for up to 30 members of each community will take place, followed by opportunities to connect on a local and global scale with tourism initiatives in other rural communities.

Emma Ackerman, Funding Strategy Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “This is an exciting new initiative that will empower rural communities in Wales and Scotland, giving them an active voice in their future.”

Imagining New Futures is being coordinated by Social Enterprise Academy Scotland and Wales, which provides transformational learning and development programmes for people and organisations working for social change.

Neil McLean, Chief Executive at the Social Enterprise Academy said: “Meaningful community engagement is a key component in shaping local tourism and we’re delighted to support communities in developing and bringing to life their own shared visions. We hope the programme will help participants shape the future of their place.”

To register interest and to receive further information on this opportunity please visit: https://your.socialenterprise.academy/course/view.php?id=1065