Highland communities are being invited to apply for a share of a Scottish Government nature restoration fund. Grants of up to £25,000 are available from Friday (August 14) for projects to help restore nature, safeguard wildlife and tackle biodiversity loss. In recent years almost £1m has been awarded to 96 community-led projects in Highland. Ken Gowans, chairman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said: “Highland communities have shown tremendous enthusiasm and commitment to restoring nature in their local areas and the fund has helped turn many ideas into reality. “It’s created real benefits for nature already and those benefits will continue to grow as the restored habitats establish over time.”