A new organisation tasked with boosting the profile of Loch Ness is looking to recruit two members of staff to help realise their aims of marketing the loch as a destination in its own right, increasing visitor numbers and boosting the area's economy.

The Loch Ness Partnership Ltd, which was incorporated earlier this year, is advertising for a partnership manager and a part-time administrator, to help take its vision forward.

The two new recruits will play a key role in developing one of the world's best known tourism icons and improving the future for all the businesses and communities who depend on it.

The successful candidate for the manager's job will have a crucial role within the organisation, preparing business and project plans, overseeing their implementation as well as raising funds, securing sponsorship and handling public relations. In return they will be paid a salary of £25-£28,000.

The administrator's role will be to handle the company's communications and financial records, arrange meetings, events and prepare reports.

The posts are being made possible by a start-up funding package covering the first two years of operation, which includes £49,500 EU funding from the Community Economic Development Programme, £22,000 from Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, £22,000 from Highland Council and £6,000 from private sources.

The partnership has set itself ambitious goals in developing the tourism infrastructure and broadening the awareness of what the area has to offer visitors. Improved berthing facilities, heritage interpretation, visitor facilities, signage and developing more events for the area are all included in the partnership's plans. The ultimate aim is to achieve World Heritage Site status.

Loch Ness Partnership Ltd has already attracted membership from 180 businesses from the private and public sectors and several community groups.  The community councils and public agencies are all represented and all are committed to working together to promote the area. 

Following the enthusiastically attended "Nessesary Partnership" conference in February, the partnership has had the endorsement to progress its ideas starting with a new portal website www.visitlochness.net and the very successful Loch Ness Catamaran Race held at the end of August.

Chairman of the partnership Rod Michie said: "The creation of these two posts marks an exciting time for the partnership. For the first time we will have permanent dedicated staff to help us achieve our aims.

"We are looking for dynamic and inspiring individuals, who will share our passion for the Loch Ness area and help us to make our vision of maximising the economic and social benefits for the communities of Loch Ness a reality."

Marie Mackintosh, head of development at Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, said: "INE, Highland Council and the EU CED Programme are making a significant funding contribution to start this new community enterprise off on a really sound footing. 

"We expect them to move forward a range of projects and lever in significant external resources over the coming years. This investment will have wide-ranging benefits for the local communities and businesses and, by enhancing the experience for visitors, should generate significant returns."

Closing dates for applications for both posts is Friday 22nd October. For information packs, email ine.general@hient.co.uk or telephone 01463 713504 and ask for the customer services team until 18th October. Thereafter contact Marion Simpson at mab.simpson@btopenworld.com or telephone 01808 521488.