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Public views sought on first stage of National Parks Review

4th July 2008

A questionnaire seeking initial public and stakeholder views on the work of the National Park Authorities goes live online today.

Members of the public are invited to complete the short questionnaire here, which is on the Scottish Government website.

The questionnaire is available from July 3 to August 1, 2008 and the results will be taken into account in the conclusions of Stage 1 of the Review which reports in the autumn.

As part of the Scottish Government's commitment to 'More Effective Government', Stage 1 of this Strategic Review will examine the most appropriate organisational options for undertaking National Park functions. It will also look at how these functions are currently being carried out by the National Park Authorities.

Full details of Stage 2 of the Review will be determined in light of findings from Stage 1.


Arctic visitors learn from Cairngorms National Park

30th June 2008

A group of officials from north Norway's Troms County visited the Cairngorms National Park earlier this week (23-25 June) to find out more about how the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and other agencies operating in the area are dealing with difficult issues, such as the creation of new national parks, renewable energy developments and ways of dealing with conflict between different interest groups.

Troms County - which covers an area of land extending to 25,147 sq km and is home to 153,000 residents - is currently dealing with the establishment of a new national park (Norway already has over 30 national parks), several landscape protection areas and major wind farm developments. The region and its capital Tromso is also preparing an ambitious bid to host the Winter Olympics in 2018 and if successful, it would be the first time that the event has been held inside the Arctic Circle.

The group, which included the Regional State Governor for Troms County and the Director of the Norwegian national nature conservation agency, were keen to learn more about community engagement in Scotland's national parks and especially across a wide variety of groups; the management of areas of high conservation value and how any conflicts are dealt with in these areas. They have also been looking at how Scotland - and national parks in particular - approach renewable energy projects.

Duncan Bryden, CNPA planning committee convener guided the group during their short visit, which started in Aberdeenshire. He said: "There is a move in Norway to listen more to the voice of local people when declaring protected areas. Scotland is seen as a pioneer in this type of engagement."

The visit marks a return trip for senior officials from Troms County. In 2007 a larger group spent a week in Scotland looking at waste water treatment, national parks, sporting estates and fish farming. The group met with representatives from the CNPA, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Before leaving, Svein Ludvigsen, Regional State Governor of Troms County explained why they returned to the Cairngorms: "We want to learn how to best protect the natural landscape and still allow people to use the land. Your national park approach allows this to happen."

During their 3-day stay, the group also visited Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and met with officials from the Scottish Government and the chairman of the John Muir Trust, Dick Balharry, who is based in Newtonmore.


Rural Funding in the Cairngorms National Park - Get along to one of these Roadshows!

23rd June 2008

Rural funding in Scotland has changed and to keep land managers, rural businesses and organisations and communities up to date with what is available and how to go about applying for funds, the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has organised a series of information roadshows across the National Park in July.

The Scottish Government's £1.6billion Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) for 2007-2013 represents a significant shift in how rural funding is delivered. The fund provides the framework to deliver European and Scottish Government funding promoting social, economic and environmental benefits across rural Scotland.

Funding is being delivered through a range of measures including the European funded LEADER programme, which is managed locally by the Cairngorms Local Action Group and is aimed at community driven enterprises that are innovative in nature, will enhance the local area and help economic development. For land managers and other rural businesses in the Cairngorms National Park, SRDP's 'Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities' is likely to be a key funding source with a focus on climate change, biodiversity and landscape and improving water quality.

Working with partners, the CNPA has organised a series of rural funding roadshows in a bid to demystify the SRDP with information on what types of projects are likely to attract funding, who is eligible to apply and the application process. There will also be hints and tips on how to submit a good application.

To find out more please go along to one of the events taking place next month:

All of the events are free and take place from 7-9pm.

CNPA board member Eleanor Mackintosh said: "The Scotland Rural Development Programme has the potential to contribute to the vision set out in the Cairngorms National Park Plan and help us all to meet the aims of the Cairngorms National Park. As such, it is important that the CNPA and our partners are able to help people identify good quality projects that help to meet those objectives and to ensure that everyone is making the most of the programme from the start."

For more information on the SRDP in the Cairngorms National Park tel: 01479 870512 / email: ruralfunding@cairngorms.co.uk

To register your interest in attending any of the events please contact Kate Christie or Sam Masson on tel: 01479 870535/537 or email: katechristie@cairngorms.co.uk / sammasson@cairngorms.co.uk 



Rural Funding in the Cairngorms National Park - Help is at hand!

17th June 2008

A new service aimed at helping land managers, rural businesses and communities make the most of the new Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) as well as help contribute to the vision set out in the Cairngorms National Park Plan has been launched by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).

The aim of the service is to ensure that all those eligible to apply to the SRDP are aware of this national programme - which represents a significant shift in how rural funding is delivered throughout Scotland - and how to make the most of it. In addition to the information and advice available from the Scottish Government, the CNPA, with partners, is embarking on a programme of further promotion of the SRDP in a bid to encourage a whole host of good quality applications that will help protect and enhance the Cairngorms National Park for generations to come.

The £1.6billion SRDP for 2007-2013 provides the framework to deliver European and Scottish Government funding promoting social, economic and environmental benefits across rural Scotland.

Funding is being delivered through a range of measures including the European funded LEADER programme, which is managed locally by the Cairngorms Local Action Group and is aimed at community driven enterprises that are innovative in nature, will enhance the local area and help economic development. For land managers and other rural businesses in the Cairngorms National Park, SRDP's Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities' is likely to be a key funding source.

As part of the CNPA's work with partners to promote SRDP to land managers in the Park, two dedicated land management support officers have been employed to help identify potential projects and encourage good quality applications to the programme from across the Park.

Zoë Taylor and Gordon McConachie have been employed by the CNPA for a period of two years to help get the SRDP in the Cairngorms National Park off to a good start. They will be working with land managers and others to identify projects which will help to deliver many of the actions contained within the Cairngorms National Park Plan as well as meet the Rural Priorities set out for the three regions in the Park (Highland, Tayside and Grampian).

Applications to 'Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities' are being asked to deliver benefits for the people of Scotland such as habitat improvements or improved outdoor access. In many cases projects will involve a variety of land managers or owners coming together to deliver these projects - or benefits - on a landscape scale. However, it's not just land managers that can apply, rural businesses, community groups and some other organisations will also meet the criteria for applying to 'Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities' for funding support.

In addition to the support being offered by Zoë and Gordon, a series of information roadshows are taking place in and around the Park in July (see local press for details); the CNPA has produced a leaflet with specific information on the SRDP in the Park and further news and information about the programme will also be available via an electronic newsletter (details on how to subscribe to this service coming soon).

Alastair MacLennan, CNPA board member said: "Land managers, rural organisations and communities have a crucial role to play in helping to deliver the actions in the National Park Plan and protect and enhance the special qualities of the area. SRDP is a new approach to delivering funding support for rural Scotland so it is important that the Park Authority can help land managers and others negotiate the Scotland Rural Development Programme effectively. That way the very best can be made of the programme from the start with lasting benefits for everyone."

For more information or to receive a leaflet about SRDP in the Cairngorms National Park contact Zoë or Gordon on tel: 01479 870512 or email: ruralfunding@cairngorms.co.uk  For more information about LEADER contact Patricia Methven on tel: 01479 870515 or email: patriciamethven@cairngorms.co.uk  


Final chance to comment on Local Plan for Cairngorms National Park

16th June 2008

The consultation on the modifications made to the Deposit version of the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan kicks off today (Monday 16 June) for a period of six weeks.

The Local Plan will provide a development framework for the Cairngorms National Park and will replace those currently in existence for the four local authorities currently covering the Park: Highland, Moray, Aberdeenshire and Angus. Once adopted it will be used to assess and determine all planning applications for developments across the entire Park.

Providing clear and consistent guidance across the Park - and in three key areas of housing, business support and the environment - the Local Plan seeks to encourage innovation and opportunities for sustainable development within the context of the Park aims.

Since 2004, a significant amount of consultation has been carried out. A total of 476 responses - raising over 1500 separate points to consider - were made at the last stage in the process (the consultation on the Deposit Local Plan which took place between July and September 2007).

Only comments regarding the modifications to the Local Plan can made at this stage in the process. Copies of the Local Plan with its modifications and the associated Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report are available free of charge for inspection at the CNPA's offices in Grantown and Ballater and Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Angus Council offices. The documents can also be viewed online here.

All comments should be made in writing to: Local Plan/Policy Officer, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Ground Floor, Albert Memorial Hall, Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5QB or fill out the online form on the CNPA website.



Plan fit for the 21st Century - Step closer for Cairngorms National Park Local Plan

30th May 2008

The Planning Committee of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has approved the latest modifications to the Deposit Local Plan for the Park signalling the final stages of the development of this key document.

The Local Plan will provide a development framework for the Cairngorms National Park and will replace those currently in existence for the four local authorities currently covering the Park: Highland, Moray, Aberdeenshire and Angus. Once adopted it will be used to assess and determine all planning applications for developments across the entire Park.

Providing clear and consistent guidance across the Park - and in three key areas of housing, business support and the environment - the Local Plan seeks to encourage innovation and opportunities for sustainable development within the context of the Park aims. The main issue that has driven the development of this first Local Plan for the Cairngorms National Park is - of course - housing, with communities in the Park stressing the need for more affordable housing in their area during the various consultations that have taken place since 2004.

David Green, CNPA Board Convener said: "There is a real need for affordable housing for people living and working in the Park and the Local Plan sets out a requirement to ensure this is achieved. However, there is still market demand for a wide range of homes so it's important to strike the correct balance to ensure developers provide affordable housing while giving them enough incentive to develop the land.

"Among the policies in the Local Plan to ensure there is an adequate supply of affordable homes in the future is the expectation that there will be a minimum 40 per cent affordable housing quota where public funding has been secured towards the cost of building a housing development and where there is little or no public money involved, the minimum requirement will be 25 per cent."

Duncan Bryden, CNPA Planning Committee Convener added that the consultation process to date had worked well. He said: "This is not the CNPA's Local Plan; it's a Plan for the entire Cairngorms National Park. Thanks go to everyone who has taken the time to contribute to the consultation process and I hope they see we are taking on board these contributions in a pro-active fashion.

"For example, we received comments from local builders and those involved in the development industry who expressed concerns about the lack of opportunities for them so we have made several modifications as a result. We have included a policy which will allow for small scale infill development within settlements; rewritten another policy which will allow for housing development where there is a group of three or more existing houses and we have also taken measures to ensure that new large scale housing developments must involve a variety of people including small scale, local builders and not given over solely to large scale builders."

Not all comments of course have been acted upon, especially where a request for development would harm the special qualities of the Park. Local Plan Officer, Alison Lax explained: " A number of objections were received from people who said the plan was too focussed on development and that not enough weight was being placed on protecting the special qualities of the Park and in some cases we have agreed.

"Take Nethy Bridge for example, where a number of representations were received from developers wanting more land allocated for housing. This has been resisted with more land around the village now allocated as 'environment'  in order to protect it from further development."

Now that the CNPA Planning Committee has approved the modifications, the next round of consultation will begin on 16 June. People can only comment on the modifications however, and not the entire Plan. Look out for more information in the press nearer the time.



SPRINGWATCH 2008

16th May 2008

YOU may recognise many of the places and species featured on BBC Two's Springwatch 2008 as the popular series will include features from the Cairngorms National Park.

The Springwatch team have been filming various projects in the Park over the past few months and you can find out how they got on when this year's series starts on Monday May 26th.


Advisory Forums meetings

16th May 2008

THE latest meetings of the Cairngorms National Park Plan Advisory Forums are taking place in May and June. Please click on the below links to find out more about each forum:



Hop on the Cairngorms National Park's Heather Hopper

15th May 2008

HOP on the Heather Hopper - that is the message to residents and tourists as the only cross-Park bus service makes its annual return today (Monday May 12th)!

The bus makes it first journey of the summer when it leaves from The Square, Grantown-on-Spey at 10.28am. There are twice daily departures from Ballater, Grantown-on-Spey and other stops on route.

The 501 service is being operated jointly by Coopers Tourmaster and Stagecoach Bluebird. Passengers will be able to enjoy a new and improved service this year. Coopers buses offers free cycle carriage and Stagecoach Bluebird buses are adapted for easy access for all. Some of the services will also run to Newtonmore, Kingussie, Kincraig and Aviemore (please check timetables for details of which services and pre-book cycles with Coopers).

The Heather Hopper is now in its third year and is funded by Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), The Highland Council and Aberdeenshire Council. It provides high quality opportunities for outdoor access, one of the Priorities for Action in the Cairngorms National Park Plan, which sets out the Park's short and long term future. It will also offer a more sustainable form of transport for those who want to leave their cars at home, or do not have access to a car.

CNPA board member and Highland Councillor Jaci Douglas and her family will be amongst the first passengers on the service leaving Grantown and are taking advantage of the free cycle carriage. Councillor Douglas said: "I am delighted the Heather Hopper is back for another year and that more people will be able to enjoy the service.

"One of the issues facing people in the Park is lack of public transport. The Heather Hopper is addressing that and allows everyone an opportunity to explore the Park."

The Heather Hopper will run until mid-September. Timetable information is available from the CNPA website and www.visitcairngorms.co.uk   Cyclists wishing to use Coopers should book cycle carriage on 01540 673 000.


Cairngorms LBAP Update

6th May 2008

The latest version of the Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan newsletter is available to read online.  So for more information and updates on LBAP projects and how to get involved or for dates of training days and events, please click here.



Wildcat Conservation in the Cairngorms

15th April 2008

Wildlife experts, land managers, tourism operators, vets and cat welfare groups are among those gathering in Aviemore today (Tuesday 15 April) for a major conference in a bid to save the Scottish wildcat from extinction. The event marks the first step in the design of a practical wildcat conservation project in the Cairngorms National Park.

There has been a significant decline in the number of Scottish wildcat over the last few decades and it is now one of our most threatened species. The Cairngorms National Park is an important stronghold for this elusive mammal and across the Park are examples of the wildcat's cultural links with the area.

Today's event is aimed at generating widespread support across a range of sectors to raise awareness of the plight of this iconic Scottish species and ultimately protect it from extinction. The conference will act as an exchange, not only of the latest scientific information but also of local, practical knowledge of wildcats and options for their conservation.

The conference is organised by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Tooth & Claw and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

Eric Baird, vice-convener of the CNPA and chair of the conference said: "The current number of wildcats remains uncertain but we know the prognosis is not good with some estimates putting the population at a mere 400 individuals left in the wild. The biggest threat to the existence of the Scottish wildcat is thought to be hybridisation with feral domestic cats.

"We want to raise awareness of the plight of the Scottish wildcat and explore the implementation of a range of practical conservation actions to save this Scottish icon. We don't have all the answers at this time but today is an important first step in finding them."

From icons to ecology and from pet cats to feral cats, delegates are being asked to consider and explore all the information and tools available that could contribute to a practical wildcat conservation project

Allan Hodgson of the SGA said: "The SGA is supportive of the project and keen to be involved. Gamekeepers working on-the-ground are in a position to be able to contribute a great deal from providing information on wildcat sightings to feral cat management. We carry out feral cat control as part of our predator management activities and would suggest that keeping feral cat numbers in check contributes to a reduction in hybridisation. We could certainly work more closely with members to increase awareness of wildcat identification so there is absolutely no risk to the species."

Neutering feral cats and vaccinating them against disease, as well as the promotion of responsible domestic cat ownership is also on the conference agenda.

Jane Harley, a vet based in the Cairngorms National Park said: "I think that most people acknowledge that interbreeding is the biggest risk to wildcats but many won't have considered the serious risk to wildcats from diseases, which can be prevalent in feral cats. The feline leukaemia virus, for example, is a highly contagious cat disease which can be vaccinated against. For those domestic cat owners - who would like to play their part in protecting the wildcat - my advice is to have their pet cats neutered and ensure that all vaccinations are up-to-date."

SNH is currently carrying out the biggest wildcat survey in 20 years, aimed at charting the current health and distribution of the native population across Scotland.

Mairi Cole of SNH commented: "The Scottish wildcat is one of the species in the Species Action Framework and is under threat from both man-made and environmental pressures. SNH is supporting the Scottish Wildcat Survey to gain a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of the species across Scotland but this needs to be supported by practical management and a better awareness of its plight, to help provide the best opportunities for their future. We look forward to working closely with land managers towards this."

Dr David Hetherington, Ecology Advisor at the CNPA added: “The habitat and prey availability makes the Cairngorms National Park an important area for the Scottish wildcat. However, the wildcat is important for the Cairngorms too and people here identify with the species' wild and untameable spirit, which is why it's used as an icon by local clans, villages, groups and businesses. We hope that by working in partnership with a range of organisations and the public we can reverse the Scottish wildcat's fortunes."



Warm welcome for new Cairngorms Hostels website

2nd April 2008

The Cairngorms National Park can boast 19 independent hostels in the area giving travellers a wide choice of affordable places to stay. Now those wanting to use the warm and welcoming facilities of the Park's hostels need only look in one place for all the information they need with the launch of the new Cairngorms Hostels website: www.cairngormshostels.co.uk

With funding support from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) through its Community Investment Programme totalling £4,500, the group - which has operated on an informal basis since the early 1990's - has been reconstituted and is now the only area group operating in Scotland, promoting their hostel accommodation on a collective basis.

Furthermore, due to the group's green credentials, Cairngorms Hostels has been able to adopt the Cairngorms National Park brand as its visual identity. Becoming one of the "family brands" in the Cairngorms National Park sees the Cairngorms Hostels group joining an increasing number of organisations across different sectors which are seeing the benefits of a having a coherent identity. These include the Cairngorms Farmers Market and the various Cairngorms Destination Management Organisations that have been set up already or in the process of being established.

The Cairngorms Hostel's first ever chairman is Ian Bishop of Slochd Mhor Lodge. He said: "The idea of an expanded and formally constituted body for independent hostels within the Cairngorms National Park was first discussed in May 2007. Since then it has been particularly hard work for all involved liaising closely with the Park Authority and our members to reach the position of being ready to present our organisation's new web site to the world.

"The aim of the web site must be to convince people to holiday in the Cairngorms National Park and of course to stay in our hostels. Over many years independent hostels have been changing and most now have twin rooms, family en-suite rooms, rooms for special needs and many actually run a variety courses, attracting visitors from all walks of life. Reassuringly, some hostels remain pointedly very simple whilst guaranteeing equally high standards of hospitality, giving visitors a real choice.

"We hostel owners are a passionate lot and real enthusiasts and are beginning to see the benefits that can be gained from having a new structured business approach allowing us to make the best use of the resources open to us and our visitors. I am also delighted to say that all our members are providing recognised Visit Scotland Quality Assured accommodation and service. Many have also been accredited with their Green Tourism Business Awards as well as receiving accolades from world wide publications and reviewers."

Kate Muirhead, owner of the Rucksacks hostel in Braemar added: "The Cairngorms National Park can be perceived as being Aviemore based, so at this side of the Park we do feel on 'the edge' and not in the thick of things. It is extremely important therefore for us to be included within Cairngorms Hostels and then at the very least I know I have a platform where I can air my views and concerns with like minded folk who share the same environment."

CNPA Convener David Green commented: "Hostels in the Cairngorms National Park certainly make an invaluable contribution to the Park's well deserved reputation for hospitality and good value. I warmly welcome the establishment of Cairngorms Hostels and firmly believe that by working together to market their accommodation will prove fruitful for the group.

"We want to see the Cairngorms National Park as a "Park for All" and ensuring a good range of quality, affordable accommodation is a key element of this and having all the information on hostels in the area at your fingertips certainly makes things a lot easier for people coming to visit."



Dog walkers urged to know The Code before they go!

25th March 2008

It's the Easter holidays, spring has sprung, and all over Scotland people are heading to the countryside to enjoy the great outdoors. For those of you heading outside with your dogs, please be especially considerate of wildlife and farm animals at this time of year.

Scotland is a great place for dogs and owners and walking a dog is a great way to get regular exercise; it's good for your health and your quality of life too but do remember that you and your dogs share the outdoors with others!

The Outdoor Access team at the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) are encouraging dog owners to ensure that they know how to act responsibly in the countryside by - if they haven't done so already - picking up a copy of the 'Walkies' leaflet, which tells them what the Scottish Outdoor Access Code means for them and their pooches!

Dog owners and walkers out and about in the Cairngorms National Park are being reminded that spring is an important time of year for farming interests - sheep and lambs can be injured and killed by attacks from uncontrolled dogs and in general, dogs should be kept out of fields containing young animals.

Fran Pothecary, Outdoor Access Officer at the CNPA explained: "Dogs that are not under proper control can be a real concern to others and especially those managing the land such as farmers, crofters and gamekeepers. As well as affecting the wildlife and birds that make the Cairngorms National Park such a special place there can be all sorts of problems with dogs in areas where there are spring lambs or other young farm animals.

"Our advice is to ensure your dog is close to you and make sure that it is responsive to your commands in areas where there could be vulnerable wildlife and young farm animals. If in doubt, pop your dog on a lead until you are in an area where you are sure it can cause no harm. What under 'close control' means is that your dog will respond to your commands and is kept close at heel."

Alistair MacLennan, a Strathspey farmer and member of the CNPA board added: "Some of the advice issued is aimed at the safety of walkers and their dogs' - for example, cattle can be unpredictable around dogs and can react very aggressively. If you find yourself in this situation, you should keep calm, let your dog go if it is on a lead and take the shortest route to safety."

Dog owners and walkers out and about in the Cairngorms National Park are also being reminded that spring is a particularly important time of year for breeding wildlife which is vulnerable to disturbance.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code states that: during the breeding season (usually April to July) keep your dog under close control or on a short lead in areas such as moorland, forests, grassland, loch shores and the sea shores."

The advice issued does not just apply to farmland and lowland areas, the Code also applies in mountain areas where ground nesting birds such as ptarmigan and dotterel can be found as well as red deer hinds with calves.

Cairngorm Mountain Ranger Nic Bullivant, also a member of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum, said: "Up on the plateau ground nesting birds can be scared off their nests by dogs, which leaves their young to die of cold, or become prey to scavengers such as ravens and foxes. We put seasonal signs up drawing peoples' attention to the problem and encourage them to play a part in looking after the birds and wildlife of the mountains."

Finally, you should always pick up your dogs faeces if you are walking in an area that is well-used by the public or where there is a risk to farming interests.

You can get more information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code here. The 'Walkies' leaflet is widely available, however if you are unable to obtain a copy contact the CNPA on tel: 01479 873535.



Environment Minister praises partnership working in the Park

14th March 2008

The Scottish Government's Minister for the Environment, Mike Russell has said that effective partnerships are making a significant impact on helping to create a world class national park in the Cairngorms.

Speaking today (Friday 14 March) at the Cairngorms National Park Strategy Group meeting - taking place in the new Boat of Garten Community Hall - Mr Russell praised the work being carried out by all those involved in delivering the actions set out in the Cairngorms National Park Plan.

The Park Plan is a document which sets out the long-term vision for the Park (25 years) with seven priorities for action for the first five years of the Plan (2007-2012). It guides the work of all those involved in the Cairngorms.

Mr Russell said: "National Parks in Scotland have now established firm foundations to ensure that these special places are managed and cared for effectively.

"The Cairngorms National Park Authority and its partners in the public and private sector are forging a new era in Scotland's natural and cultural landscape - working together to achieve a shared vision of sustainable development and growth in our rural communities. By balancing difficult and sometimes conflicting interests they are achieving the best possible outcomes for the area.

"Sustainable development and growth is our primary strategic purpose for Scotland and National Parks have the opportunity to lead the way."

Since the launch of the Park Plan last year several areas of work have made significant progress. An effective public sector partnership effort involving Angus Council, the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland is seeing the development of a new ranger base in the Angus Glens, helping towards the priority for action, 'Raising Awareness and Understanding of the Park'.

The public and private sectors have come together in a bid to achieve the actions set out in the 'Making Tourism and Business More Sustainable' priority. Various initiatives are emerging including the Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce working with members to help them achieve the necessary green credentials in order that they can use the Cairngorms National Park brand to promote the Chamber and all its members collectively.

Working with Housing Plus, a range of public sector organisations and community councils and groups, an initiative aimed at communities highlighting their own priorities for development in their area has just been completed in Grantown-on-Spey, Advie, Cromdale and Dulnain Bridge and is set to be rolled out in Moray. Working towards the priority for action, 'Making Housing Affordable and Sustainable', the 'Our Community... A Way Forward' involves residents taking the lead on local projects with a funding commitment from the agencies involved to ensure successes are built on for the future.

Convener of the CNPA, David Green said: "We are delighted that the Minister has been able to join us for the Strategy Group meeting today and especially as we are in this fantastic new community facility in Boat of Garten - itself a good example of partnership working - which in this case was led by the community and supported by a variety of public and private sector organisations.

"To truly create a world class national park takes strong and effective partnerships mixed in with a great deal of enthusiasm for getting the job done. I think we are certainly seeing that here in the Cairngorms and its credit to all of those agencies, organisations and groups involved."



New Planning Committee Convener for Park Authority

11th March 2008

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has a new man at the helm of its planning committee. Duncan Bryden, who has served on the Park board since its inception, takes over the role from David Green.

Mr Bryden from Tomatin is a self-employed rural development consultant. He was elected by his fellow board members at Friday's (7 March) planning committee meeting in Nethybridge.

David Green, who continues as convener for the Park Authority board, is now deputy planning committee convener.

Want your business to go Green?

11th March 2008

"Going Green" - it's in every newspaper and magazine you read and there's someone talking about it every time you switch on the television. So how do your green credentials stack up?

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is working with local business associations to host a series of workshops aimed at helping tourism businesses in the Park to improve their environmental performance. These practical sessions will give tourism business operators more information on recycling, energy efficiency, and how to get green accreditation via the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

There are free events throughout the Park over the coming weeks:

Heather Galbraith, the CNPA's Sustainable Tourism Officer said: "There are many tourism businesses across the Park already doing a great deal towards helping create a more sustainable industry and we hope, through these events to encourage them to do even more.

"It's also a great chance for like-minded businesses to chat about the green issues that matter to them, and that increasingly matter to visitors. The issue of climate change features heavily in the National Park Plan and is something that we are taking very seriously indeed in order to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly National Park."

Booking for these workshops is not essential but for more information please contact Heather on tel: 01479 870545 or email: heathergalbraith@cairngorms.co.uk



Heather Hopper back to make more trips around the Cairngorms National Park

6th March 2008

THE popular Heather Hopper bus service is back again this year  - with more routes and facilities for the public to enjoy.

The Heather Hopper provides the only cross-Park bus service and will run twice daily between Ballater and Grantown-on-Spey from mid-May to the end of September. The buses will be visiting more places as well, with some going to Newtonmore, Kingussie, Kincraig and Aviemore.

The 501 service is being operated jointly by Coopers Tourmaster and Stagecoach Bluebird. Cyclists will be able to use some services for the first time, as Coopers offers free cycle carriage for up to four bikes. Stagecoach Bluebird buses are adapted for easy access for all.

The Heather Hopper is now in its third year and is funded by Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), The Highland Council and Aberdeenshire Council.

The Heather Hopper will help to provide high quality opportunities for outdoor access, one of the Priorities for Action in the Cairngorms National Park Plan, which sets out the Park's short and long term future. It will also offer a more sustainable form of transport for those who want to leave their cars at home, or do not have access to a car.

In a bid to encourage tourists to use the service Cairngorms Hostels, a body representing around 20 independent hostels around the Park, will also be promoting the service.

CNPA board member and Highland Councillor, Stuart Black, said: "The Heather Hopper has proved over the past few years that it offers a much needed service. Due to its popularity we are extending the routes and facilities so more people can take advantage of this cross-Park service.

"It is important residents and visitors help to establish a sustainable Park and this excellent service is one way of doing that."

Ian Bishop, Chairman of Cairngorms Hostels, said: "Cairngorms Hostels are delighted that the Heather Hopper service is back again and pleased to see the early release of timetables and information on bicycle carriages, two important aspects for visitors."

The Heather Hopper was withdrawn in the 1990s, but was re-launched as a pilot scheme by the three partners in 2006 to meet the need for rural public transport.

Timetable information is available here.  Cyclists wishing to use Coopers should book cycle carriage on 01540 673 000.

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