Two new projects in the Highlands and Islands region have been handed grants from Creative Scotland as part of a wider project to support arts in remote communities.

The national cultural agency has awarded Highlands and Islands Theatre Network (HITN) funding worth £200,000 grant towards a two-year touring fund for theatre and dance. The Northern Scotland Rural Touring Fund is being run along with Promoters Arts Network, North East Arts Touring and HI-Arts and will see a minimum of eight tours supported.

Meanwhile, a further £40,000 has been invested in the Islands Writers Network, allowing HI-Arts - the Highlands and Islands arts agency to develop the scheme over the next two years. Scottish culture minister Fiona Hyslop said: "The collaborative and innovative approach of the Rural Touring Fund brings together a number of art-forms and embraces Creative Scotland's commitment to promote understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of cultural activities."