By Stuart Gillespie
Recruitment is under way for the first jobs for a 拢8 million environmental project Four posts have been created for the Solway Coast and Marine Projects (SCAMP) 鈥 Landscape Connections initiative, which aims to boost environmental restoration across Dumfries and Galloway. Three of the jobs are with Solway Coast Partnership (SFP) and the other is with the Crichton Carbon Centre (CCC). The scheme is being backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund鈥檚 Landscape Connections Scheme, which has allocated 拢1.4 million to shape the project. A further 拢6.4 million will be awarded if detailed proposals are accepted. SFP partnership manager, Clair McFarlan, said: 鈥淭his is a positive step towards making a real difference on the Scottish Solway coast, working with communities to enhance, restore and add value to the saltmarsh, seagrass and native oysters we are lucky enough to have locally. 鈥淚f you have a passion for the marine and coastal environment and want to make a lasting contribution to the health of key habitats of the Solway Firth and be part of an exciting new seascape initiative 鈥 then look no further.鈥 SFP is recruiting for an administrator, officer and project manager for innovation in restoration. And CCC is aiming to appoint a landscape and wetlands lead. CCC director, Emily Taylor, said: 鈥淭he Cairn to Coast project has been developed as part of SCAMP Landscape Connections to take the Crichton Carbon Centre鈥檚 approaches to prioritising and designing successful peatland restoration projects to wider catchment, wetland and coastal habitat restoration and management. 鈥淭he landscape and wetlands Lead position is a brand-new position at the centre. We are looking forward to welcoming an enthusiastic and passionate individual to guide CCC and our partners to deliver exciting and impactful ecosystem restoration projects in the south west of Scotland.鈥 The new posts have been made possible by the heritage fund award as well as the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and South of Scotland Enterprise. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. Chairman of the council鈥檚 economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Andy Ferguson, said: 鈥溾淥ur region has much to offer in terms of landscapes and seascapes, as a beautiful place to live, to enjoy the natural environment and the great outdoors. 鈥淥ur natural environment provides a healthy spaces for children, young people and their families to enjoy nature and a great quality of life. These jobs offer an opportunity to engage and restore the coastal and marine environment here on our Solway coast as well as the opportunity to live here surrounded by nature and an active welcoming SCAMP community.鈥 To find out more or apply for the jobs, visit the project website.