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Cairngorms National Park Authority
PARKLIFE
Summer 2005
____________________________

(FRONT PAGE)

Full colour images of Park Authority logo, Parklife logo and other images contained in the
newsletter.
(not available in full text format)


The Local Plan – next stage

Full colour images of villages within the Park.
(not available in full text format)

Cairngorms National Park residents and interested organisations can now have their say on the 
Preliminary Draft Local Plan, which is out for consultation this summer.

Following a successful first phase of community consultation in late 2004, phase two has now 
kicked off.

Norman Brockie, of the Park Authority’s planning and development control team explained:  
“We had a fantastic response with over 1,400 questionnaires returned and over 1,600 people 
attending our community meetings.  Our aim of fully involving the Park’s communities in the 
development of the Local Plan is delivering results.

“We now have the Preliminary Draft Local Plan but this should be viewed as ‘a work in 
progress’ that people can still contribute to and influence.”

The Local Plan will guide all land-use development across the Park for its five-year lifespan.  
It is crucial to the Park Authority that every community is fully involved in the Plan’s preparation 
and the future development of their community.

The Local Plan will take the general themes and issues that have arisen from the phase one 
consultation and develop these.  It will contain policies and recommendations that can facilitate 
solutions and realise potential – in line with the four aims of the Park.

The Plan will also include policies on issues such as housing and business, as well as a 
community statement and settlement proposals map.  These maps will zone specific sites 
for development protection, tailored to meet the needs of each community.  A Finalised Draft 
Local Plan will be out in the spring of 2006 for the third stage of consultation, along with the 
draft National Park Plan – a separate document that will set out the broader view of how the 
Park will go about delivering its four aims.

A range of key issues have now been highlighted and are addressed in the Preliminary Draft Local 
Plan. 

Affordable housing is causing the most concern and the Local Plan is seen as the principle 
tool to assist the delivery of a better supply of affordable homes.

Fears have also been expressed about the rate at which many communities are growing, 
with most people wanting their community to stay much as it is with only small-scale development.

Most communities noted the need for small-scale business units for small firms or new business 
starts and there is a desire for better facilities to support the Park’s tourism industry as well as 
economic diversity.  Almost everyone expressed the need to protect and enhance the natural 
environment.

So how can you continue to be involved in the development of the Local Plan?  For details, 
check the CNPA website www.cairngorms.co.uk, the local press or look our for posters in 
your community.


 
(PAGE TWO)

ENVIRONMENT

Full colour image of front cover - Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the Householder
(not available in full text format)

Planning for Biodiversity

With the first aim of the Park being to ‘conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage’, 
it makes sense to encourage householders to consider the impact their proposed development – 
whether it be a new dwelling or an extension – will have on the biodiversity of the area.

Biodiversity is the wealth of wildlife around us.  It is the basis of everything we regard as special 
and important in the Cairngorms and is at the root of all the natural processes that give us clean 
air, water, food, clothing, health, relaxation and recreation.  We all depend on biodiversity for the 
quality of our lives.

To help people make a direct contribution to conserving the wealth of biodiversity in the Cairngorms, 
the CNPA has published a new leaflet, ‘Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the Householder’.

The leaflet contains information on biodiversity – trees, wetlands, grasslands; mammals, insects 
and so on – and some suggestions on how people can protect and enhance the wildlife in the vicinity 
of their property. There is also advice on what to look out for as the law protects some species.

Peter Cosgrove of the CNPA explained: “Householders can help contribute to the enhancement of 
our natural environment in a variety of ways depending on the type of project they are planning.  
A rule of thumb is to look after and enhance what already exists rather than to create something new.

“Having said that, there are many chances for people to encourage wildlife through careful planning 
and forethought and we would really like people to consider these opportunities.”

For a copy of the Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the Householder please contact the 
CNPA on tel: 01479 873535 or email: enquires@cairngorms.co.uk
 

COMMUNITY

Full colour image of two people hillwalking near Dalwhinnie 
(not available in full text format)

Local Outdoor Access Forum established

The first meeting of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum took place at the end of March.
Following a recruitment drive by the Park Authority, which began at the end of 2004, members were 
officially appointed to the voluntary group in February.

The Forum is made up of 21 members representing recreational, land management and community 
interests and includes three public bodies – Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland 
and VisitScotland.

As the outdoor access authority for the Park, the CNPA has a duty to establish a Local Outdoor 
Access Forum.  The group’s purpose is to advise the Park Authority, and others consulting the 
Forum, on matters to do with outdoor access rights and strategy and a plan for core paths in the 
Park.  It can also offer to give advice towards the resolution of disputes over outdoor access.

For more information on anything relating to outdoor access or to raise and issue with the 
Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum, please contact Fran Pothecary on tel: 01479 870533 or 
email: franpothecary@cairngorms.co.uk
 


FINANCE

Funding boost for LEADER+

The Scottish Executive has pledged more money for the LEADER+ programme in the Cairngorms 
National Park.  The European funded initiative is receiving an extra £300,000.

LEADER+ aims to help local communities to make the best use of their natural and cultural 
resources by targeting funds at projects involving women, young people and the natural environment.  
Cairngorms LEADER+ is also supported financially by local agencies and the Cairngorms National 
Park Authority.

Cairngorms LEADER+ programme manager, Patricia Hamilton said: “The extra funding is already 
making an impact.  Projects that are already benefiting from the additional funds include audit learning
 initiatives, conservation projects and walking to health events.  There is also support for the 
Cairngorms Farmers Marketing Group, renewable energy projects in village halls and various arts 
and music projects.

“Cairngorms LEADER+ has been one of the best performing LEADER+ programmes in Scotland. 
Projects in the Cairngorms that are supported via LEADER+ make a real difference to communities
in and around the National Park.  We are delighted the Scottish Executive recognises this.”
 


(PAGE THREE)

TOURISM

Full colour image of the Lairig Ghru 
(not available in full text format)

Walk back in time

Do you fancy following in the footsteps of cattle drovers or walking in the shadow of Highland 
clansmen? A leaflet featuring a detailed map of hill passes in the Cairngorms is now available to 
help you do just that.

Produced by ScotWays – The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society – the leaflet aims to 
help people plan an interesting, historical route through or around the Cairngorms massif.

Funded by the Cairngorms LEADER+ programme, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scotways, the 
publication replaces a previous version published in 1995.  The CNPA has been instrumental in the 
development of the leaflet, providing assistance with the content and distribution of the map.

CNPA’s visitor services officer, Pete Crane said “Many of these traditional routes provide a link to the 
past because they were used for moving cattle and, in some cases, troops around the Cairngorms.  
They offer the opportunity to see some of the best scenery in the Cairngorms.”

Patricia Hamilton, programme manger for LEADER+ in the Cairngorms said: “This leaflet will assist
local people and visitors to plan and find the best routes and will also inform wider and safer access 
in the National Park.”

The map is available free of charge from tourist offices, youth hostel, ranger bases and other 
information point in the Cairngorms area.  It can also be obtained direct from ScotWays at 24 
Annandale Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4AN, on provision of a SAE.  More information can also be 
found at info@sctotways.com
 


WILDLIFE

Full colour image of two swifts sitting on a nest.
(not available in full text format)

Save Our Swifts

If you look high into the sky on these long summer evenings you are likely to see one of the most 
dramatic birds to visit the Cairngorms.

Swifts are summer migrants travelling from southern and western Africa to breed and nest here, 
but numbers have been declining for a decade, probably due to the loss of nest sites following the 
renovation and demolition of old buildings.

The Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) is asking for help to identify where swifts 
nest in a bid to halt their decline.  If swifts already nest in your home or office try to avoid any 
building work that will block or remove their nesting sites.

Survey leaflets are available in local communities or can be obtained from Stephen Corcoran, the 
LBAP officer on tel: 01479 870528 or email: stephencorcoran@cairngorms.co.uk

For more information contact Concern for Swifts (Scotland) on tel: 0141 554 8262 or long-on to 
www.concernforswifts.com
 


POLICY

Full colour image of Balnaboth Moor.
(not available in full text format)

Moorland mission

The Cairngorms Moorlands Project has featured in previous issues of Parklife but earlier articles 
have tended to focus on the educational side of the initiative.  However, this innovative project is 
also about establishing best practice in moorland management.

This area of work was highlighted at a recent moorlands seminar at the project’s demonstration 
moor in the Angus Glens.  Balnaboth is one of two demonstration moors – the other being Blairfindy 
on the Glenlivet Estate.
   
The event gathered together around 30 people with an interest in moorland management from 
gamekeepers to scientists.  The issues discussed included the spread of tick, over grazing and 
effective muirburn.

With around 40 per cent of the Cairngorms National Park covered by moorland, this is a key 
project for the Park Authority, helping to deliver conservation aims, recreation and economic 
objectives.

Heather moorland is extremely important, not only for sporting and agricultural interests, but it is a 
valuable habitat for a wide range of species including mountain hares, golden plover and raptors.

According to figures from the Heather Trust – who were represented at April’s event – only 30 per 
cent heather cover on moorland is sufficient to maintain a healthy grouse population.  Moorland 
management with this fact in mind should help to encourage greater mix of habitats and species 
on moorlands and thus contribute to biodiversity aims as well as a healthier grouse population.



 
(PAGE FOUR)

Full colour images of new Cairngorms National Park brand on roadside sign and of
Deshar Primary School pupils helping to launch the new brand on the platform of the
Strathspey Steam Railway. 
Also images of the Strathspey Steam locomotive promoting the new brand and
of CNPA's Heather Galbraith & Frank Roach of the Highland Rail Partnership standing
under a new brand sign at Carr-Bridge railway station.
(not available in full text format)

Brand boost for Cairngorms National Park

A new brand identity to raise the profile of the Cairngorms National Park as Scotland’s most exciting 
and accessible wild place is starting to make an impact across the National Park and beyond.

Local communities, local businesses and CNPA joined forces to develop and launch the brand.  It 
will be used for marketing and promotional activities – brand guidelines and criteria for appropriate 
use of the brand are available from the CNPA.  The brand will help to foster a sense of common 
identity across Britain’s largest National Park, and present one of Scotland’s most special places 
in a coherent way to visitors.

The launch of the brand – which features a bird of prey and rising sun – took place at the Strathspey 
Steam Railway, Boat of Garten in March, with help from Deshar Primary School pupils.

The launch of the brand is part of a wider effort to raise the profile of the Cairngorms national Park to 
visitors and locals alike.  Since the launch event, the first signs marking the entrances to the 
Cairngorms National Park have sprung up.

Signs at railway stations in the Park – Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and 
Carr-Bridge greet visitors when they alight from the train.  Interim metal road signs are now 
also in place at various entry points to the Park.

The interim metal road signs are scheduled to be in place for around two years while the Park 
Authority develops permanent granite markers.  These will be situated at all road entrances to the 
Cairngorm National Park – 26 entry points in total – and will vary in size depending on their location.

For further information on using the brand please contact Heather Galbraith or Ruathy Donald at the 
CNPA on tel: 01479 873535 or email: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk
 


(PAGE FIVE)

Full colour images of Park publications showing the new brand logo.
(not available in full text format)

Park produces publications

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has produced a wide range of publications to help visitors 
make the most of their time in the National Park – but they’re useful for residents too!

The new leaflets all feature the distinctive Cairngorms brand so that people can instantly recognise 
that the publications relate to information on the Cairngorms National Park.
   
The Cairngorms Visitor Guide 2005 provides a wealth of information on what to see and do in the 
Cairngorms National Park.  There is information on the Park’s communities; outdoor activities; the 
area’s history; wildlife; arts and crafts; where to eat and places to stay.
   
Cairngorms Countryside Events 2005 is a pocket-sized guide to countryside events – from guided 
walks to events and talks – in and around the Park from March through to December.  The guide has 
been produced by the CNPA in partnership with ranger services operating in the area and other 
organisations including the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Society for the Protection of 
Birds.
   
The Cairngorms Explorer – the first combined timetable for public transport in the National Park – is 
a compact colour booklet containing information on bus, train and postbus timetables, including how 
to access the Park from Scotland’s major centres of population.  There is also information on 
community transport schemes, taxis, the National Cycle Network and popular walking and cycling 
routes.
   
Talking of walking – there is also a leaflet highlighting the various walking festivals that take place in 
and around the Park!
   
All of these publications can be picked up at Tourist Information Centres, visitor attractions and 
accommodation providers throughout the Cairngorms National Park.  Alternatively, obtain copies 
by contacting the CNPA on tel: 01479 873535 or email: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk

 

(PAGE SIX)

Full colour image of Andrew Thin, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
(not available in full text format)

The Thin Line

By Andrew Thin, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority

The Cairngorms National Park was 18 months old in April, and already we are starting to deliver 
changes that have a direct impact on the lives of everyone who lives here.
   
Most visible are the plethora of signs and publications that are now appearing, all of which are 
designed to make the place more welcoming and more user friendly to visitors.
   
Much less visible but no less important are the detailed discussions underway between the Park 
Authority and staff in many other public agencies.  The four statutory aims of the National Park apply 
to all public bodies working in the area, and the challenge for us must be to ensure we are all working 
towards one shared vision.
   
This will mean changes to what government does in the National Park in areas as diverse as forestry 
management, water and sewerage, social housing delivery and much more.  The most immediate 
and significant change for all of us is the development of a new Local Plan.  On the face of it, planning 
may appear to be something of a dark art.  The reality is very different.  Planning is based around two 
basic principles – an agreed and detailed Local Plan based on public consultation; and that (except 
in exceptional circumstances) individual planning applications should only be approved if they fit within 
the terms of this.
   
The new Local Plan is therefore of profound importance to us all.  It will determine how the area 
develops and be the mechanism for preventing unwanted changes.  It is therefore vital that everyone 
who lives here and who cares about this place makes sure they have their say over the coming 
weeks as more detailed proposals and draft versions of the plan start to emerge.
 


COMMUNITY

Full colour image of cyclist in the Cairngorms looking down towards a small loch. 
(not available in full text format)

Ditch the car

You can go by bus, train, on a bike or foot.  It is up to you how to explore the Cairngorms National 
Park – without the aid of a car – and a new publication is available to help you.
   
The Cairngorms Explorer – the first combined timetable for public transport in the Park – has been 
published by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and designed and distributed by 
Landmark Press.  The publication has been funded by the CNPA with support from the Highlands 
and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership (NESTRANS).
   
This compact A5 colour booklet contains information on bus, train, and postbus timetables, 
including how to access the Park from Scotland’s major centres of population.  There is also 
information on community transport schemes, taxis, the National Cycle Network through the 
Cairngorms and popular walking and cycling routes.
   
The Cairngorms Explorer aims to encourage people to think about the environment and their own 
health before embarking on a journey and to reduce both visitors and residents reliance on cars.  
According to the CNPA’s Visitor Survey, around 80 per cent of visitors come to the Park by car 
with only five per cent using public transport.
   
John Thorne, the CNPA’s economic development officer said: “The publication of the Cairngorms 
Explorer has been in response to business and community wishes to see an improvement in public 
transport in the Park.
   
“Four local authorities and many different operators means a very disjointed service but we aim to 
highlight to people that with all the information at hand, it is not only possible to get the Cairngorms 
National Park by public transport, it is fairly easy to get around to it too.”
   
A copy of the Cairngorms Explorer can be obtained from various sources including Tourist Information 
Centres, travel offices and libraries.  Alternatively contact the Cairngorms National Park Authority 
direct on tel: 01479 873535 / email: enquires@cairngorms.co.uk.  The information contained in the 
booklet is also available on the CNPA website, www.cairngorms.co.uk


 
(PAGE SEVEN)

POLICY

Full colour image of Dr Adam Smith & Dave Howarth from the Game Conservancy Trust;
Andrew Rafferty of the Strathspey Veterinary Practice and CNPA and Ian Gill, a vet
from Kirriemuir.
(not available in full text format)

Targeting ticks!

A major conference for land managers and land-based workers looking at tick control and heather 
management was held in Grantown in May.  The event was hosted by the Park Authority via its 
Land Based Business Training project, and co-ordinated by the Strathspey Veterinary Practice.

The event aimed to outline ways of controlling ticks and louping-ill – a viral infection caused by ticks – 
and discussed ways in which estates can work with others to develop a control strategy.
   
Ticks carry diseases afflicting livestock, mammals and humans.  In the UK, the micro-organism 
causing Lyme Disease is carried by the most common tick, which feeds on deer, livestock and 
other smaller mammals.
   
Those most at risk from tick-borne diseases are those working in the land-based sector such as 
shepherds and gamekeepers.  However, anyone who enjoys a walk in the woods or on the hills is 
exposed to some risk.
 


TRAINING

Training aid

The CNPA has been helping to deliver a range of courses to meet the needs of a variety of industries 
in the Cairngorms National Park over the past few months.
   
For those involved in the tourism sector, a series of specially designed courses were delivered in April 
and May in partnership with Moray College and Tourist Board Training Ltd.
   
The training was designed to improve people’s knowledge of attractions and things to see and do in 
the Park, to encourage visitors to stay in the Park longer.
   
The Land Based Business Training project continues to help those working in agriculture, forestry, 
estate management, crafting and other land based operations become more competitive, adaptable 
and efficient and contribute to the aims of the National Park.
   
Supported by Europe, the project part-funds a variety of courses such as ATV driving, deerstalking 
and IT.  Recent fully-funded public benefit courses include wildfire, fighting and Communication and 
the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
 


EMPLOYMENT

Considering apprenticeship

The seasonal nature of some jobs in the Cairngorms National Park has prompted the Park Authority 
to consider establishing a vocational apprenticeship scheme designed to equip young people with a 
variety of skills to improve their employability.
   
When the CNPA was formed it was given an extra role to most UK national parks – to help develop
 the area economically and socially.  Quality education and training is key to this, helping to retain 
young people in the area.
   
For many school leavers there is the choice of moving away from home to attend college or university, 
or some stay and face periods of unemployment between seasonal work.  Vocational training can 
offer young people an alternative.
   
The Cairngorms National Park offers a variety of employment options including outdoor leisure, 
agriculture and conservation management, as well as hospitality and manufacturing.  This planned 
new scheme will help young people attain the skills that are in demand where they live.
   
If you would like to know more please contact John Thorne, economic development officer on
tel: 01479 870520 or email: johnthorne@cairngorms.co.uk
 


COMMUNITY

Black & white image of the new Moorland Project logo.
(not available in full text format)

Full colour image of Grantown Grammar School pupil Bethany Wilson (13), winner
of the Park Authority's competition to design the new logo for the Young Cairngorms website.
(not available in full text format)

New Logos

The Cairngorms Moorland Project is boasting a brand new logo featuring a pair of grouse, thanks to 
the design efforts of Rhiannon Calder (P6) from Inveravon Primary School in moray who received a 
£30 book token from local CNPA member, Eleanor Mackintosh.
   
Nadia Jamieson from Northmuir Primary School in Angus won second prize and third prize went to 
Rhiannon’s classmate, Scott Forsyth.
   
Rhiannon’s winning design will be used to promote the Cairngorms Moorlands project and will feature 
on promotional material.
   
For more information on the Cairngorms Moorland project or to arrange a visit to Blairfindy or 
Balnabooth, please contact Gail Renwick on tel: 01241 828032 / email:gailrenwick@cairngorms.co.uk 
or Juliet Robinson on tel: 01479 870539 / email: julietrobinson@cairngorms.co.uk


Grantown Grammar school pupil Bethany Wilson (13) has won the Park Authority’s competition to 
design the new logo for the ‘Young Cairngorms’ website – www.youngcairngorms.com
   
Bethany’s prize – a £30.00 book token was presented to her by CNPA board member Andrew 
Rafferty.  Bethany said “When I think of the Cairngorms I think of having fun and that to me means 
snowboarding 
 


(PAGE EIGHT)

Parklife goes audio

In order to ensure that Parklife is accessible to everyone who lives in the Cairngorms National Park, 
this edition – and future editions of Parklife – will be available on audio cassette.
   
If you are registered with the Highland Society for the Blind, and live within the Park boundary, you 
will automatically receive an audio copy of Parklife through the post.
   
People living within the Park boundary in Moray, Aberdeenshire or Angus areas of the Park – whether 
registered with a Blind Society of not – should contact the Park Authority direct if they wish to receive 
an audio copy of Parklife.
   
Alternatively, we can provide copies of all the articles published in Parklife in large print.  The 
newsletter is also available on the Park Authority website, www.cairngorms.co.uk
   
Please contact the Park Authority to request an audio cassette or large print version of Parklife: 
Cairngorms National Park Authority, 14 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HG, tel: 01479 873535, 
email: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk
 


See you there!

Full colour image of extremely rare Twinflower - Linnaea borealis.
(not available in full text format)

Throughout the summer, the Park Authority will be out and about at various games and shows in the Park.  Staff will be on hand to answer the questions about the Authority’s work and there will be information and literature to browse through and take away.

We look forward to seeing you there!

·	Tomintoul Highland Games
Saturday 16 July
·	Kirriemuir Show
Saturday 16 July
·	Newtonmore Highland Games
Saturday 6 August
·	Ballater Highland Games
Thursday 11 August
·	Grantown Show
Thursday 11 August
·	Lonach Highland Gathering
Saturday 27 August
·	Braemar Gathering
Saturday 3 September
 


DID YOU KNOW?

The delicate pink Twinflower – ‘Linnaea borealis’ – is extremely rare in the UK.  However, this 
beautiful plant can be found growing in abundance in the Cairngorms National Park, especially 
in the Dee and Spey Valleys.  The famous botanist, Carl von Linnaeaus, named it after himself 
because he said it was ‘lowly and creeping’ . . . .just like him!
 


WHAT’S ON?

Full colour image of Loch Morlich.
(not available in full text format)

Park Authority meetings

July 29
Planning committee, Lecht

August 12
Board meeting, finance and planning committees, Braemar

August 26
Audit and planning committees, Ballater

September 9
Board meeting and planning committee, Edzell

September 23
Planning committee, Grantown-on-Spey

October 7
Board meeting and planning committee, Strathdon

October 21
Planning committee, Ballater

November 4
Board meeting, finance and planning committees, Kingussie

November 18
Planning committee, Grantown-on-Spey

December 2
Board and planning committee, Ballater

December 16
Audit and planning committees, Grantown on Spey

December 30
Planning committee, Ballater

Further details regarding venues and times of board and committee
meetings can be found on the CNPA website or see local press. 


Contact

Cairngorms National Park Authority, 14, The Square, 
Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HG
Tel: 01479 873535, Fax: 01479 873527, 
e-mail: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk

OR Albert Memorial Hall, Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5QB
Tel: 013397 53601, fax: 013397 55334, 
or e-mail: planning@cairngorms.co.uk

www.cairngorms.co.uk