the peaks of Quinag, Canisp, Suilven, Cul Mor, Stac Pollaidh and Ben More Assynt define the unique landscape of one of Scotland's most beautiful and remote regions.

The Coigach-Assynt area of north west Scotland also has moorlands, lochs and a coastline that provide habitats for species such as golden eagles, wildcats, black-throated divers and freshwater pearl mussels.

Today, the Heritage Lottery Fund will announce that a grant of £3 million, including £100,000 development funding, has been set aside to help conserve the area as part of a landscape partnership project covering 150,000 acres of this part of Ross-shire and Sutherland.

It means the money will be released if a fully developed application is successful, which it normally is after this first hurdle has been overcome.

The project is part of a wider 40-year vision, developed by a partnership led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Its goals are to restore parts of the landscape, including regenerating and reconnecting the remaining native woodland, restoring blanket bog and heath moor, and repairing and improving pathways.

The Iron Age settlement at Clachtoll Broch, a local centre of power in 300BC, will be excavated and preserved. Local people and visitors will also be involved through a comprehensive volunteering programme and a cultural learning programme that will increase understanding of this vast area's complex heritage.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "Nature lies at the very heart of what makes Scotland special and nowhere is that more evident than the astounding scenery of Coigach-Assynt.

"However, the enormous pressures upon these landscapes mean we have to tackle their restoration and conservation on a bigger scale than ever before.

"The Landscape Partnership programme does just that, and more. It brings real cohesion to the natural and built heritage of the region while reconnecting its communities with the nature that lies on their doorstep."

Viv Halcrow, project manager of the Coigach-Assynt Living Landscape, said: "This funding could have a great impact across the whole Coigach-Assynt Living Landscape.

"It would benefit the natural, cultural and built environment and could help to increase integration between communities, landowners and organisations.

"The partnership is very grateful to have received a stage one pass and is looking forward to developing the project in preparation for a stage two submission."