News
Park communities in big learning day
10th March 2010
Nine communities from all corners of the Cairngorms National Park are getting together this weekend (Saturday 13 March) to share their experiences – good and bad – of community action planning in their area.
The community action planning process involves gathering data and information on social and economic issues and organising community consultation activities. The information is then analysed and community feedback obtained allowing for each communities’ priorities for action to be identified. Individual action plans can then be prepared for each individual community, with help from the public sector to take these proposals forward.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has been helping communities steer their way through the Community Action Planning process and nine have now completed their community planning journey. ‘Our Community a Way Forward’ covered the communities of Advie, Cromdale, Dalwhinnie, Dulnain, Grantown on Spey, Kingussie, Laggan and Newtonmore in the west of the Park while Ballater One Voice Our Future (BOVOF) helped that community to formulate its action plan and subsequent follow up of priorities.
Claire Ross, the CNPA’s Education and Social Inclusion Manager said: “This Saturday’s event will bring together the nine communities in the Cairngorms who have gone through the process to date. They will be able to share experiences, learn from each other’s successes – and mistakes! It’ll truly will be a day of learning for them, but also for the public sector bodies like us and the local authorities who are committed to helping these communities realise their aspirations.”
Eric Baird, CNPA board member said “Community Action Planning has been a really valuable experience for all those involved. We have seen some common themes come out as a result of the action planning such as: integrated and improved transport links for work and leisure purposes, better communication within communities, and the repair and use of village halls/community buildings. Today is also a great opportunity for these communities from opposite sides of the hill together to discuss opportunities and how to tackle shared problems or issues.”
Gordon Riddler, Chairman of Ballater (RD) Ltd, coordinator of the BOVOF project said “We have learnt a lot from this process, the ground work has now been done and we are willing to pass on our experiences to other community groups who will be going through the same process as us shortly. One of the focuses of the day will be the development of an online community planning toolkit where people can access information, advice and practical support.
CNPA refuses Mossie Housing Development
5th March 2010
The planning committee of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has refused an application for 193 houses in Grantown-on-Spey at its meeting in Boat of Garten this morning (Friday 5 March).
The recommendation put forward by planning officers was to refuse the application to develop the area known locally as "The Mossie". Planning committee members turned down the proposals because of the potential for flooding, the area's high nature conservation value especially for breeding waders and invertebrates, and the unsuitability of the design of the proposed houses.
To access this planning paper in full please go to the Planning Committe meeting, Paper 1.
Development Manager for Deeside and Donside areas in Park
1st March 2010
Communities in the areas of Deeside and Donside within the Cairngorms National Park are to get their own development manager to develop, plan, manage and deliver a range of projects in the area over the next three years.
With funding support from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), the European funded LEADER programme and Aberdeenshire Council, the post of Development Manager is being advertised this week. It is a full-time position based in Ballater.
Working for the Deeside Donside Development Project, the new job has come about as a direct result of community action planning in the area, with Ballater already having gone through the process with the Ballater One Voice Our Future (BOVOF) community consultation. The successful applicant will be responsible for advising and helping facilitate community groups in developing their projects and achieving their communities' aspirations.
Gordon Riddler, Chair of Ballater (RD) Ltd, which is managing and co-ordinating the project on behalf of partners said: "This appointment is an excellent result from a lot of hard work and agency support involved in recent Community Action Planning. It will be a challenging and rewarding experience for anyone interested in engaging with the communities in the Cairngorms National Park to deliver a range of projects to support their future needs. It also provides a great new opportunity for communities, individually and collectively, to identify and realise projects to support their sustainability and future development."
CNPA Board Member and Aberdeenshire Councillor, Peter Argyle said: "The Park Authority and Aberdeenshire Council are delighted to be supporting this new post which will hopefully be a boost - economically, environmentally and socially - for all the communities in Upper Deeside and Upper Donside."
Patricia Methven, LEADER Programme Manager added: "The New LEADER programme's priorities are 'Revitalising Communities' and 'Progressive Rural Economies', so this project fits extremely well with where we are trying to target funds."
For more information on the post please contact Gordon Riddler on tel: 013397 55467 or by email .
The post will also appear in the recruitment pages of the local press this week.
Park Authority sets out next steps for Local Plan
19th February 2010
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) aims to have the Local Plan for the Park adopted and published ready for use by the end of the year.
Meeting in Kingussie on Friday (19 February) the Planning Committee of the CNPA agreed the next steps for the Local Plan and set out the timetable to adoption.
The Local Plan for the Cairngorms National Park, which will replace the Local Authority plans (Highland, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus) currently covering the Park, has been in the making since September 2004. It was the subject of a Local Plan Inquiry last summer, with the Reporters recommendations received by the CNPA in December.
Staff in the CNPA's Planning and Development Management team are working through all the recommendations and points raised by the Reporters, analysing these and assessing whether the CNPA is in agreement or not. The Park Authority's assessment of the report and consideration of which recommendations will be taken forward, which will not and the details of any necessary post inquiry modifications will be debated at the CNPA's planning committee meeting on 14th May in Grantown on-Spey.
Explaining the process to members on Friday, Karen Major, the CNPA's Development Plans Manager said: "As members will appreciate there are many complex recommendations and to ensure there is a full analysis we propose to allow sufficient time to give our officers adequate capacity to complete the work. It is estimated that five months from receipt of the report is sufficient to complete the analysis and draft any post inquiry modifications."
Following the meeting in May - the next key stage of the process - there will be a consultation period to allow individuals, groups or organisations to make representations to post inquiry modifications to the Local Plan.
This consultation will last for six weeks then responses considered during July and August. If there is no requirement to hold a second inquiry the planning committee of the CNPA will be asked in September to allow the Local Plan to proceed to the final stages which will involve informing Scottish Ministers of the Intention to Adopt the Local Plan. This will happen between September and November, with the Plan hopefully being adopted and published for use by between December 2010 and January 2011.
Planning Committee Convener Duncan Bryden said: "The production of the Local Plan has been a long process but this duration has been necessary to ensure that we get the best possible Plan for the area. It is extremely encouraging to think that the Plan - all being well - will finally be adopted by the end of this year and I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the process."
Making the most of farm woods
17th February 2010
Ways for farmers to boost their livelihood by supplying firewood are to be explored during a dynamic free event in the Cairngorms National Park.
Making the Most of Farm Woodlands in Strathdon on Tuesday 9 March will help farmers and land managers become more aware of the exciting opportunities in this growing market.
"Woods and forests can provide a great opportunity for farmers to diversify and strengthen their business," explained organiser Gordon McConachie of the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
"As well as the land itself, sheds and existing machinery can prove invaluable in the production and seasoning of wood fuel."
The potential to create thriving farm-based firewood businesses will be explored during the day of talks and demonstrations at Glenbuchat Farms.
Among the speakers will be Forestry Commission Scotland biomass officer Ian Cowe. He will outline some of the main ways in which the potential of farm woodlands can be maximised, and advise on funding streams available. There will be demonstrations of a range of machinery for processing firewood, including freestanding log splitters, kindling machines and tractor mounted processors. A range of log boilers and stoves and information will also be onsite.
The day is part of a series of events being run in the Park as part of the Clim-ATIC project which aims to help rural communities adapt to the consequences of climate change. Project manager Clive Bowman said: "Using wood for fuel is a key way in which rural communities can become stronger and more independent in the face of rising fuel costs and increasingly stringent targets on greenhouse gas emissions."
A wealth of information on using wood as fuel is available on a new website www.lowcarboncairngorms.org and bookings for this, and a range of other events being held throughout the year can be made through the site.
Places are free of charge and the event, which is being held by kind permission of David Sole at Glenbuchat, will begin with tea and coffee at 10:30am ending at approximately 3:30pm.
To book, go to www.lowcarboncairngorms.org or contact Andy Rockall or Sam Masson, tel 01479 870535/537 or e-mail Andy Rockall or Sam Masson.
Cairngorms Communities to create Big BioBuzz
15th February 2010
Three simultaneous 24 hour events are being planned in the Cairngorms National Park to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010.
The Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan is running events in the Park communities of Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie and Ballater. 'The Big BioBuzz Day' will be held on 22 May 2010 to coincide with International Biodiversity Day and Scottish Biodiversity Week. The International Year of Biodiversity is a unique opportunity to increase understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth.
The events are aimed at getting as many people as possible involved in biodiversity related activities in a 24 hour period. The goal is to collect as much information on the biodiversity in their respective localities as possible.
Staff from the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Ranger Services and other partners will help to identify wildlife, pass on knowledge and showcase obscure or unusual species. Local schools are also being encouraged to take part.
Each location will have a designated headquarters that may include other attractions such as story telling, a puppet show, green wood working, nature games, crafts, building bird boxes and lathe wood turning.
Cairngorms biodiversity officer Stephen Corcoran said: "The Big BioBuzz Day will be the main starting point for the International Year of Biodiversity in the Park. Wildlife and nature experts will be able to take people out and about in their local areas to experience the rich biodiversity the Cairngorms National Park has to offer on their very doorstep.
"There will be something for everyone starting with dawn walks to see wading birds and hear the dawn chorus continuing all through the day with a host of activities for families and budding amateur naturalists. As we move into the evening we will venture out to inspect moth traps and look for nocturnal species like owls and bats. We are also very lucky to have some of the best dark skies in Scotland right here in the Cairngorms, so we will be encouraging people to look up and appreciate this natural resource that many of us take for granted.
"I hope as many people as possible come along to the Big BioBuzz Day. I would also like to encourage any communities or local groups in the Cairngorms National Park to get in touch if they would like to find out how to get advice and possible financial support for undertaking local biodiversity projects like creating wildlife gardens and ponds."
A more detailed programme with times will be publicised closer to the event and depending on the success of the 'Big BioBuzz Day' a series of 'mini-BioBuzz' events may be rolled out throughout the year across the Cairngorms involving other communities and groups.
For further information contact Stephen Corcoran on 01479 870528.
Discount available on innovative food waste disposal solution
9th February 2010
You can help the environment and divert domestic food waste from landfill sites.
Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Green Cone Limited and Strathspey Waste Action Network (SWAN) are working together to encourage local homes and businesses dispose of their food waste in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
This is now achievable thanks to the innovative Green Johanna food waste digester from Green Cone Limited. The Green Johanna unit, which stands on flat ground in the garden and cleverly produces rich compost from ALL food waste including meat, fish and bones mixed with green garden waste, is now available to Park residents at £30 instead of the normal retail price of £130.
The patented action of the Green Johanna means residents can now help reduce their own carbon footprint by turning leftover kitchen waste into a valuable resource for growing healthy fresh vegetables, whilst simultaneously helping reduce CNPA's waste disposal costs.
Collectable from the Park Authority office in Grantown-on-Spey, in order to take advantage of this promotion and guarantee their product, residents should telephone 0800 731 2572 before the end of February, quoting 'Cairngorms Discount CNPA10'. Each Green Johanna will also be supplied with a 'winter jacket', designed to keep the composter working in colder weather.
John Thorne, Economic Development Officer, CNPA said: "About 20% of the waste that goes into our rubbish bins is food waste, adding to landfill and methane, a greenhouse gas. We want more houses and businesses in the Park composting their food and using it as a resource for their garden. Anyone getting a discounted Green Johanna will help us monitor how composting works in our particular climate and will be asked to update us on how it's working each year. This is part of our wider work with communities and businesses working towards a more sustainable Park, helping to conserve resources and raise awareness of Climate Change."
Nick Cooke, consultant, Green Cone Limited commented: "We are absolutely thrilled that the CNPA is promoting the Green Johanna. It's a simple to use, common sense solution for helping divert food waste from landfill and is extremely popular with councils, and across Europe.
"It's much loved by its users, great for the environment and only produces the smallest amount of CO2 emissions compared with the treatment of food waste at a centralised facility. We are confident that the Green Johanna will become very popular in Scotland and look forward to an ongoing successful working relationship with the CNPA."
Jane Smith of SWAN (Strathspey Waste Action Network) said: "SWAN welcomes this opportunity for householders and small businesses to purchase a quality compost bin at a subsidised price. Green Johannas are well designed for our cold climate, with the insulating jacket keeping the composter working into the winter. This helps also reduce our dependence on waste collection and consigns those smelly wheelie bins to a thing of the past!"
Please visit Green Cone for more information.
Woodfuel goes online in Cairngorms National Park
2nd February 2010
USING wood to heat homes and businesses in the Cairngorms National Park could cut fuel bills by up to two thirds, boost the local economy - and shrink residents' carbon footprints.
A new website www.lowcarboncairngorms.org which highlights ways in which the Park's abundant natural wood resource can be harnessed more effectively, has been given the thumbs up by local businesses and sector leaders.
People with little or no knowledge of the array of options for using wood for heating can discover a wealth of straightforward information on the basics of wood fuel and where to find out more.
Suppliers of the ever improving range of technologies are being urged to list their businesses on the website's directory. The project also aims to help firewood businesses keep standards consistent, increasing the vitality of the local market for wood fuel.
The website has been launched as part of Woodfuel in the Cairngorms, a joint venture between the Cairngorms National Park Authority and Clim-ATIC, an EU funded project to help rural communities adapt to climate change.
Tree surgeon Stuart Burgess of Cairngorm Tree Care welcomed the initiative, saying it would help a dynamic woodland culture re-emerge in the Park.
"Heating our homes with wood is not only sustainable and ecological but also steeped in tradition and folklore," he said.
"Now many people are embracing the come back of wood fuel. Some of us sit down to a romantic open fire and others are installing highly efficient wood boiler systems in their homes. There is no getting away from the fact that wood fuel is back.
"Using a natural sustainable source of energy that is abundant within the Cairngorms National Park makes heaps of sense. Interest in wood fuel is really starting to rocket.
"Wood burning stove sales have increased dramatically and government backed grant schemes are encouraging the installation of automated wood fuel systems in our communities," Mr Burgess added.
Highland councillor Ian Ross, who chairs the Cairngorms Wood Fuel Steering Group and the Highlands and Islands Forestry Forum, said: "Switching from fossil fuels to locally produced, renewable sources of fuel will put communities ahead of the game, both economically and in meeting the climate change targets for reductions in greenhouse gases.
"This website is an essential port of call for forward thinking residents and businesses within the Cairngorms National Park.
"Wood doesn't only make sense in terms of environmental benefits. Wood fuel systems are much cheaper to run and not vulnerable to the fluctuations of international oil and gas markets."
Willie Beattie, a biomass development officer with Forestry Commission Scotland, said: "This dedicated website for the Cairngorms National Park will help promote all aspects of woodfuel use and supplement events planned for the coming year, which we look forward to taking part in.
"The new website will also complement our national site - www.usewoodfuel.co.uk - which gives guidance on funding opportunities, including The Scotland Rural Development Programme.”
A wide-ranging series of free events throughout the Park will help people learn more about the options open to them.
To find out more and book a place on the next one, Making the Most of Farm Woodlands, in Glenbuchat, Strathdon on 9 March go to www.lowcarboncairngorms.org/woodfuel/calendar.asp or phone 01479 870535.
Further Information:
Please contact Catriona Ross on 0782 4531942, catriona.ross1@gmail.com
Paths Plan for the Cairngorms National Park gets the go ahead
26th January 2010
The Cairngorms National Park Authority has been directed to adopt a plan that lays the foundation for an effective network of paths in the Cairngorms National Park for years to come. The Core Paths Plan that has been produced by the Cairngorms National Park Authority got the go ahead from the Scottish Government following extensive consultation with the public, businesses, land managers and other organisations.
In total 1,197 people were involved in the three consultative phases. It is a blueprint for encouraging more people into the outdoors and helping land managers to manage access across land and water.
The Plan highlights an overall path network of new and existing tracks, roads, pavements and water courses in the Park totalling around 932km (579 miles) - that's further than the main road equivalent of Aviemore to London. The Plan will provide the basis for a programme of improvements that will deliver a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits.
In a first for Scotland, the Cairngorms Core Paths Plan has designated the surface of the River Spey within the National Park as a core path. This is likely to result in a better managed river catering more effectively for the needs of the diverse range of users who enjoy it.
David Green, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said "Now that the Core Paths Plan has been approved, the development of a more integrated network of paths for a wider range of people and abilities to enjoy the special qualities of the Cairngorms National Park can be taken forward.
"Once completed the work will allow users to move around and enjoy the Park more easily while minimising conflict with farmers, foresters and estates who manage the land. The Park Authority already supports the work of the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust and I look forward to more projects coming forward like the new school path in Strathdon and the new bridge over the River Gynack in Kingussie.
"I would also like to thank members of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum who advised on the consultation process over a sustained period. With their input, the Park Authority went about developing the Cairngorms Core Paths Plan in a very thorough, transparent and consultative way, resulting in just one alteration being directed by the Minister following extensive consultations and a public inquiry."
The CNPA was therefore directed to adopt the Core Paths Plan as submitted subject to the deletion of a path between Nethy Bridge and Braes of Abernethy junction.
The core paths network caters for all types of users from walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, to people with disabilities and canoeists. However, not all individual paths will need to be designed or managed for every type of user. The paths included will allow people to move more easily in, around and between communities as part of their daily lives. Increased recreational use will also be encouraged and the network includes many existing paths as well as some proposals for new ones. Core paths will be easy to follow, well signposted, appropriately maintained and as far as possible free from barriers or obstructions. Paths can range from a simple trail through the grass to a more formal path with a tarmac surface.
The CNPA can now progress with a wide range of work including the production of information from leaflets to map-boards, to help promote the network to as wide an audience as possible.
Further Recognition for Scotland's Golden Eagles
11th January 2010
Sites important for golden eagles in the Cairngorms National Park, and parts of Highland Perthshire and Angus, may be in line for additional protection.
Following a recent decision by the Scottish Government to look at recognising more areas in Scotland important for this bird, Scottish Natural Heritage is about to ask the public what they think.
Today Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) launched a public consultation, on behalf of the Scottish Government, on the proposal to create a new Special Protection Area (SPA) for golden eagles covering the Cairngorms Massif. SPAs are protected under European legislation covering rare or vulnerable populations of birds in the European Union.
The site is one of a series being consulted on in Scotland. The other sites are Foinaven, Glen Affric to Strathconon, Glen Fyne and Glen Etive, Moidart and Ardgour, and the islands of Jura, Scarba and the Garvellachs. Scotland already has eight SPAs for golden eagles but the Scottish Government has decided to look at adding up to six more to supplement the conservation of this important bird. Golden eagles once ranged over most of Britain but since the 18th century they have been restricted to the more remote and upland areas of Scotland and are still vulnerable.
The consultation is open to all those who have an interest in the area. This includes owners and occupiers of the land, recreational users such as walkers and climbers, scientific groups such as ornithologists and people living in the local area. All comments received during the consultation process will be collated by SNH and reported to Scottish Ministers. Ministers will then consider the comments before deciding whether to approve the new sites.
Denise Reed, area manager for SNH said: "Our aim over the coming months is for local staff to give interested parties the information they need to best understand the wildlife importance of golden eagles in Scotland, the need to give golden eagles further protection and what the implications of this Special Protection Area designation are for land management. It is important that people feel they have been provided with all the information they need and that their views will be considered by Scottish Government."
Hamish Trench, head of heritage and land management at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: "CNPA welcomes the consultation on the proposal for greater protection for this iconic species in and around the Cairngorms National Park. Golden eagles are an important part of our natural heritage and capture the imagination of many people. Recently many individuals and schools have been following the progress of radio-tracked golden eagles in the Cairngorms National Park, showing the level of public interest. We encourage all those with an interest to participate in the consultation."
The consultation will run for 12 weeks, from Wednesday 13 January 2010 to Wednesday 7 April 2010 inclusive. Click here for more information and how to comment on the consultation.
Responses can be made by email or in writing to SPA consultation responses, Scottish Natural Heritage, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW.
Cairngorms National Park Authority response to announcement on Beauly to Denny power line
6th January 2010
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is very disappointed that its objection has not been fully upheld. The delivery of electricity from renewable energy sources for Scotland is very important but it must also be balanced against safeguarding Scotland's largest National Park, part of the nation's environmental capital.
David Green, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: "The CNPA recognises the need to respond to the challenges of climate change and supports the drive to maximise the amount of energy from renewable sources as the most sustainable way of providing for our future energy needs. However, sustainable energy production has to be matched by sustainable energy transmission with proper measures taken to safeguard the quality of environment between production and consumption, especially when that environment is recognised as being of outstanding national importance for its natural and cultural heritage. The Cairngorms National Park is such an area and the CNPA has always maintained that the preferred option would be that the pylons did not go through the Cairngorms National Park at all. However, this option was not included in the application submitted by Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL) and Scottish Power Transmission Limited (SPT) to Scottish Government under the Electricity Act 1989.
"The CNPA was consulted by Scottish Government and assessed the impact of the application on the National Park. The CNPA objected on the basis that the proposal conflicted with the statutory National Park aims, did not meet the electricity and did not comply with Scottish Government planning policy and guidance and industry's own guidelines for transmission lines in such areas, since it failed to demonstrate that there are no other alternative routes. The CNPA and partners submitted evidence at the inquiry on the potential for undergrounding in the National Park and requested that the Scottish Government facilitate discussions on alternative overhead and/or underground routes as well as the replacement of existing pylons with wooden poles in some locations in the Park.
"We are very disappointed that the line will still be coming through the National Park and there is no requirement for undergrounding. However, we still welcome the fact that Scottish Ministers have accepted many aspects of the case presented by the CNPA and acknowledged that the National Park is one of Scotland's special areas and is a resource for the whole nation making significant contributions to the national tourism economy. Although the new line will have a significant adverse impact on the landscape in part of the National Park, the removal of lines elsewhere and transfer of other lines from pylons to wooden poles, which was requested by the CNPA, will be an enhancement which, although not offering mitigation, will compensate to a degree. We also welcome that our recommendation that the applicant make a contribution towards marketing initiatives in the affected areas has been upheld, and will, to some extent, address the impact on local business. The mitigation measures required for the actual transmission line are also helpful and the CNPA will work with the applicant to ensure that they are implemented for the benefit of the National Park. The CNPA has also been involved with the Environmental Liaison Group over the past year, which advises on the Construction Procedure Handbook, and will continue to be involved with this group."
The Reporters' findings and recommendations to Scottish Ministers can be found online at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy
Local Plan Inquiry Report now available
5th January 2010
Scottish Government Reporters, Ms Jill Moody and Mr Hugh Begg, held a Public Inquiry on the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan earlier this year. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has now received the Inquiry report and the Reporters' recommendations.
Prior to the Inquiry the CNPA undertook extensive discussions with communities, businesses and public sector partners in the National Park to prepare the Local Plan. Local Plans are a key document for all planning authorities and provide guidance and direction for future development.
Duncan Bryden, the CNPA's planning convener, said: "The Inquiry Report is important and detailed and raises significant issues which everyone will need time to digest and consider. It sets out a number of recommendations with a particular emphasis on the allocation of land for meeting future housing needs in the Park.
"The Local Plan is put together in response to what we heard from people and it aims to strike a balance between their needs for housing, recreation, economic development and the need to look after the special Cairngorms environment and heritage. The Reporters have carefully considered the issues and it is extremely valuable to have their very thorough appraisal.
"National Parks are new to Scotland and this is the first ever Park Local Plan to under go an Inquiry. It is our job to be pioneers and we knew that this was never going to be a straight-forward process. Delivering a clear, focused and considered Local Plan for the Park is our goal and the consultation and Inquiry process is an excellent opportunity for everyone to work together to achieve this outcome. So far the level of public engagement has been encouraging and we hope it will continue.
"The Inquiry report is 338 pages long and contains much detailed assessment so we will need time to consider its recommendations. CNPA planning committee will meet, in public, in February to consider their response to the recommendations, and we are unable to respond to individual issues arising from the report until then."
The CNPA's Head of Planning Don McKee confirmed: "If we decide to make changes to the Plan in response to the Reporters' recommendations then people will have a further chance to comment on these before the Plan is adopted."
The Inquiry Report recommendations re-emphasise that the Cairngorms National Park was established by the Scottish Government because it is a special area which needs to be cared for - both for the exceptional wildlife, natural qualities and landscapes it contains and for the people who live in it, manage it and visit it. And, as it is such a unique place, future development needs to be looked at differently than it would be in other parts of Scotland.
Following consideration of the Reporters' recommendations the Local Plan will move to formal adoption and when approved will replace the current Local Plans covering the four local authority areas within the Park: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Highland and Moray.
The full Inquiry Report containing the Reporters' recommendations is available to view at the CNPA's Grantown and Ballater offices or online.
Get a Birds Eye View of the Cairngorms National Park - Panorama Posters go on Sale
24th November 2009
Ever wanted to see how a bird sees the Cairngorms? Well now you can and from the comfort of your own home or office with the sale of stunning panoramic posters of the Cairngorms National Park.
Two views of the Park - one from the northwest with Badenoch and Strathspey in the foreground and the other from the east with Deeside in the foreground - are available to buy in various shops and visitor centres in the Park or by mail order.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) commissioned world renowned panoramic artist Heinz Vielkind to paint five panoramic views of the Cairngorms National Park back in 2007. Until now, these fantastic artworks have been only been on display at entry points to the Park and in visitor information centres but now two of them can be enjoyed at home or work. A donation from the sale of each poster goes to help fund the work of the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust upgrading and maintaining paths in the Park.
The Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce is working with the CNPA to trial the sale of the posters over the coming 12 months and if they prove popular, a licence to use the panoramic paintings will be tendered commercially, which could result in the other three views becoming available as posters plus postcards, mousemats, mugs and so on.
Sally Dowden, director of the Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce said: "The paintings are a fantastic memento of a visit to the National Park. Our aim is to encourage as many visitors as possible to purchase these posters so that they remember their visit and have something to show their friends."
Dave Fallows, CNPA board member and local artist commented: "The detail of the paintings is superb. In fact, it's so good that you can easily retrace your favourite route through the National Park and rekindle memories of a great day out. They really give you a sense of why the area is a National Park."
The posters come pre-wrapped in tubes and can be purchased from local shops for £7.95 or they can be mail ordered at panoramas@cairngormschamber.com at a cost of £9.95 including postage and packing.
Exciting opportunity to become a CNPA board member
25th February 2010
Would you be interested in applying to become a Cairngorms National Park Authority board member? If so, Scottish Ministers are seeking applicants for up to six new appointments to the CNPA board. For more information, visit www.appointed-for-scotland.org and click on current positions.
Alternatively, please contact: The Scottish Government, Public Appointments, Saughton House (E1 Spur), Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD. Free phone 0800 015 8449. Fax 0131 244 3833.
Closing date for applications is Monday 15 March 2010.
For past news articles, please see the News Archive page.