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Thank you for taking part

Over the past few months, we’ve hosted Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 roadshow events in villages and towns across the National Park, held online workshops and asked for your feedback in a number of surveys too. More than 1,000 of you came along to these events or gave feedback by completing online surveys and we wanted to thank you for your time.

Your opinions are helping us shape the next steps in the development phase of the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme and its 24 projects. Thanks to your involvement, the programme will bring about transformational change in the National Park, benefitting people’s health and wellbeing, delivering on climate change and enhancing nature across the National Park.

You can have a look back over some of the most recent surveys and events here below and a few of them are still open for feedback:

Still open for feedback:

  • Second stage survey asking what you think is most special about the Cairngorms landscape?
  • We’re asking businesses and communities to give thoughts on what a wellbeing economy in the National Park might look like
  • Complete:

  • Check out the map of the Park and what was said about, cycling, walking or using a wheelchair here.
  • Read what people said about Active Travel here
  • See opinions about a possible e-bike network in the National Park
  • We asked how we communicate better and engage with communities in the National Park?
  • Your comments are now being reviewed by individual project teams and our partner consultants and we’ll provide more detail on a project-by-project basis once this work is complete. Our team look forward to meeting many of you again in our next series of Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 events in the new year.

    Posted on 13th December 2022

    by Joanna Hampson

    Naomi Mcintosh Selected for Bothy Project and Cairngorms National Park Authority Heritage Horizons Artist Residency

    Naomi Mcintosh 'Quiet Garden', Image by Ben Addy

    Bothy Project, partnering with the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 project on Community Arts and Culture, selected artist maker Naomi Mcintosh from an open call, to undertake an Artist Residency at Inshriach Bothy on Inshriach Estate beginning in December 2022. Naomi will receive two-weeks’ research time at Bothy Project’s Inshriach Bothy, a fee, production budget and support with travel costs.

    This residency forms part of the Community Arts and Culture project, one of 24 projects in the Cairngorms 2030: Heritage Horizons programme and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players.

    The Community Arts and Culture project will see a variety of initiatives rolled out in the Park and aims to create a greater connection to landscape and place and encourage a desire among Park communities to get involved in climate action.

    Naomi Mcintosh, selected artist resident said: “During this residency, I want to communicate and capture memories, passing of time, ephemerality and feelings about places. Taking time to develop my drawing language, I want to consider new ways to capture observations and experiences through mark making. Through implied movement, I aim to create work that has life and resonance.”

    Lesley Young, Director at Bothy Project said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Cairngorms National Park Authority on this new residency opportunity. The open call indicated the impressive and diverse creative work being realised in the Park. Naomi Mcintosh’s experience, accomplished practice and desire to build connections with other practitioners in the park made her proposal stand out amongst many strong submissions.”

    Al Smith, Outdoor Learning and Engagement Manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “Arts and culture will perform a central role in shaping the story of Heritage Horizons. The creative arts allow people to engage with place from a personal perspective developing a deep emotional connection; this sense of connection leads to the desire to look after and care for these places for future generations. The creative arts are a rich source for innovative and imaginative solutions to the central issues being addressed by Heritage Horizons; climate, biodiversity and health.”

    Posted on 21st November 2022

    by Joanna Hampson

    Come to one of our climate emergency workshops

    New workshop dates are being offered by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful in November 2022 to help people who live or work in the Cairngorms National Park to learn what the climate emergency means for the area, find out how they can take action, and have their say on what sustainable communities look like.

    In August, Keep Scotland Beautiful announced a partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority to deliver online and in-person Climate Conscious Communities workshops as part of the Park Authority’s Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme.

    The workshops have received funding through The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to money raised by National Lottery players and in the past two months over 70 people have registered to attend a workshop, either online or in person, with attendees saying they really enjoyed the workshops and found them useful.

    Participants at the November workshops will learn what the climate emergency means for the Cairngorms National Park in terms of impacts, risks and opportunities. And they’ll find out what’s being done to combat climate change across the area as well as learning more about Climate Conscious actions they can take as individuals, communities and businesses. The workshops will also provide opportunities for people to have their say on climate change - from what a Climate Conscious Cairngorms looks like - through to identifying barriers, challenges and support required to take climate action.

    Workshops take place until 17 November 2022. To register and see all available dates please see eventbrite.

    Catherine Gee, Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the Cairngorms National Park Authority to offer further workshops in November so that people living or working in the park can learn more about what the climate emergency means for the local area, find out how to take action, and have their say on what sustainable communities look like.

    “Climate change can seem like a scary or overwhelming prospect, so these workshops emphasise hope over despair and introduce co-benefits of climate action relevant to individuals, communities and businesses - such as saving money, improved wellbeing and resilience to extreme weather, new regulations and changing customer expectations.”

    Grant Moir, Chief Executive for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “The Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme is all about putting the power to tackle the climate and nature crises in the hands of our Park communities. I’d encourage as many people as possible to attend one of these in-person or online workshops as a great way to get practical information on the climate emergency and discuss what it means for them and their community. Taking part in these workshops will ensure local people are at the heart of decision-making on climate issues and I look forward to hearing about the outcomes.”

    Posted on 4th November 2022

    by Joanna Hampson

    Drop-in to our community roadshow event in Ballater

    We’re hosting a drop-in session in Ballater on 9 November, 1-6.30pm at the Victoria and Albert Halls. If you live, work or have a business in Ballater, we’d like to invite you drop-in, find out more about the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme and its suite of 24 projects and give your thoughts on the programme’s plans during this development stage.

    The drop-in session is the latest community engagement activity to be hosted in the National Park following a number of online and in-person activities that have taken place over the past few months. These sessions have showcased some of the work the Park Authority hopes to develop through the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme, and crucially, will provide feedback from people in Park communities that can then be acted upon.

    Drop in information stands will be available on:

  • Making it easier to get around Deeside by active and sustainable travel e.g. walking, cycling, using a wheelchair or public transport
  • Community involvement in responding to the climate emergency
  • Exploring what a wellbeing economy could look like for the Cairngorms National Park
  • Two topic-specific workshops will also be taking place at this event:

  • Climate Conscious Communities - 3.30-5.30pm. Find out more and sign up here.
  • Wellbeing Economies and the benefits they bring - 6-7 pm. Find out more and sign up here.
  • The drop-in sessions will focus on some key areas including active travel and sustainable transport, looking at how to make it easier to get around Deeside without needing to use a private car.

    The climate crisis impacts us all and there are already communities coming together to see what they can do collectively to become more climate resilient. As part of the drop-in sessions, there will be a variety of workshops available to explore what could be possible within local areas to tackle the climate crisis, changes in local landscapes and to discuss what a wellbeing economy may look like for the National Park.

    The Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players. The active travel projects are also supported by Sustrans Scotland Places for Everyone with funding from Transport Scotland.

    Posted on 1st November 2022

    by Joanna Hampson

    What do you think is special about the Cairngorms National Park landscape?

    What do you think is special about the Cairngorms National Park landscape? What features are special and make the Cairngorms feel like nowhere else?  

    Please complete this online survey by 28 October 2022 to tell us what you think. 

    This is a pilot study, which means we’re also testing whether we are asking about landscape in the right way in preparation for a wider study. We value your contribution to this study and, as a way of saying thank you, at the end of the questionnaire you’ll be invited to enter a prize draw competition to win one of three £100 gift vouchers.  

    This study is part of the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

    Posted on 14th October 2022

    by Admin

    Join one of our Future Walks

    Having collected a great deal of information already through online and offline events, the Active Communities: Badenoch and Strathspey project is now looking to visit a number of key sites with groups of local people. This project - part of a suite of transport projects covering different communities in the National Park - focuses on the villages Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Dulnain Bridge, Nethy Bridge and Newtonmore and people living or working in those villages are invited to join their local Future Walk. They are planned as follows:

  • Carrbridge - Tuesday 4 October - 1pm
  • Nethy Bridge - Tuesday 4 October - 4pm
  • Boat of Garten - Wednesday 5 October - 1pm
  • Dulnain Bridge - Thursday 6 October – 1pm      
  • Newtonmore - Thursday 6 October – 4pm
  • The Future Walks will provide an opportunity to discuss ideas on how selected locations could look in future, both short term and long term, and people’s input will help us understand existing issues in more detail. The Future Walks can be attended by anyone in the community, and we welcome people using a wheelchair and those with walking aids. We will focus on the built-up environment, and we will not venture out beyond the village boundaries. The walks are expected to last between 1 and 2 hours. People can of course leave early if they wish.

    If you would like to join one of the Future Walks, find out more about them and sign up using this Future Walks Eventbrite page

    Would you like to take the kids to school in an e-cargo bike or commute to work on an e-bike?

    We’d love to hear from everyone (you don’t need to have ridden an e-bike before) about where you might cycle or what you might use an e-bike for if you had access to one. As part of the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme we are looking to develop a network of e-bikes across the Cairngorms National Park, and we need your help to tell us what you think this could look like. So, please tell us your thoughts by completing our e-bike survey here, the survey is open until 30 October.

    ‘E-bikes’ are power-assisted cycles that give you a boost as you pedal so you don’t have to work as hard, which opens a world of possibilities for leaving the car at home and using a e-bike instead where it might not have been practical to cycle before.  E-bikes come in all shapes and sizes: regular bikes (can also add a cargo or child trailer), e-trikes, folding e-bikes, e-cargo bikes (for carrying loads or fitted with child seats) and adaptive e-bikes for wheelchair users or those with mobility limitations.  They can enable you to cycle further, reach destinations faster, carry heavy loads (shopping or children), increase the ability to cycle e.g., if unfit or have long-term illness/injury and best of all, you can reduce your car use and carbon footprint.

    Your thoughts on Active travel - have you left a comment on the map?

    We’ve been asking for your thoughts about Active Travel and what a great response we’ve had! Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far – over 250 people have left comments online and there has been a good turnout at the local community engagement sessions we’ve held so far.  There is still time to have your say - we are looking for your views on what is needed to make it easier and more enjoyable for everyone to get around the Park by walking, cycling, and using a wheelchair. Use this online map to tell us about active travel in your area, this map is open for comments until 30 October.

    Contact the Transport team 

    If you need to get in touch directly you are welcome to email the team on transport@cairngorms.co.uk or call 01479 873535.  

    Posted on 30th September 2022

    by Admin

    Come along to one of our upcoming community drop-in sessions

    Find out more about Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 and tell us what you think at our upcoming community drop-in sessions.

    Throughout October the Park Authority will host drop-in sessions in different Park communities, and residents and businesses are being encouraged to drop-in, find out more about the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme and its suite of 24 projects and give their thoughts on the programme’s plans during this development stage. 

    The drop-in sessions are the latest community engagement activities to be hosted in the National Park following a number of online and in-person activities that have taken place over the past few months. These sessions will showcase some of the work the Park Authority hopes to develop through the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme, and crucially, will provide feedback from people in Park communities that can then be acted upon.

     Dates have been set for the drop-in sessions in Nethy Bridge, Braemar and Blair Atholl: 

  • Nethy Bridge Community Hall – Tuesday 4 October – 12.30-5pm (including a walk at 4pm from the hall to discuss some of the ideas stemming from the recent active travel consultation)
  • Braemar Village Hall – Wednesday 5 October – 12.30-7.30pm
  • Blair Atholl – Tuesday 25 October – time to be confirmed
  • Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “The majority of the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme’s projects are community-centred and will put the power of change into the hands of the people who live and work here, benefitting people’s health and wellbeing, delivering on climate change and enhancing nature across the National Park.” 

    “Getting out into communities and making it as easy as possible for people to find out how the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme affects them, how they can get involved, and providing the opportunity for people to ask questions on topics such as plans for better active travel and transport, a wellbeing economy and addressing the climate crisis is critical to the project’s success. We hope that as many people as possible attend the drop-in sessions so that ultimately, we can achieve a National Park that works for all.”  

    The drop-in sessions will focus on some key areas including active travel and sustainable transport, looking at how the Park can be more walking, cycling and wheelchair friendly – and what needs to change in our communities to make that possible.  The climate crisis impacts us all and there are already communities coming together to see what they can do collectively to become more climate resilient.

    As part of the drop-in sessions, there will be a variety of specific workshops available to explore what could be possible within local areas to tackle the climate crisis, changes in local landscapes and to discuss what a wellbeing economy may look like for the National Park:

  • Wellbeing in your community - Tuesday 4 October - 12.30-1.30pm - Nethy Bridge - Find out more and book here
  • Wellbeing in your community - Wednesday 5 October - 1-2pm - Braemar - Find out more and book here
  • What do you think is special about the Cairngorms landscape? - Wednesday 5 October - 6-7pm - Braemar - Find out more and book here
  • There will also be an opportunity to look at the volunteer ranger service and what benefits it has for local areas in the National Park. 

    The Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players. 

    Posted on 28th September 2022

    by Admin

    Pioneering Park Plan launches, paving way for tackling climate and nature emergencies Pioneering Park Plan launches, paving way for tackling climate and nature emergencies

    A bold and ambitious plan for the future of the Cairngorms National Park was launched today by Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, marked at an event in Boat of Garten. The ambitious new Partnership Plan sets out how all those with a responsibility for the National Park will work together to tackle critical issues that relate to its people, nature and places and ultimately address the climate and nature emergencies.

    Almost 1,500 people helped shape the plan in a public consultation phase last year. In implementing the plan, people who live, work, and visit the National Park will be given the power to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and more than 100 partners, public bodies and communities will work together to help deliver activity over the next five years.

    From ecological restoration to net zero, supporting young people to stay in the National Park and delivering increased affordable housing to transforming public transport and celebrating and protecting cultural heritage – the vision set out is ambitious and transformational. Key elements of the plan include:

  • Achieving and going beyond net zero well before 2045
  • Restoring thousands of hectares of peatland and expanding woodland
  • At least 50% of the Park being managed principally for ecosystem restoration by 2045
  • Transforming the way people get around the Park by making it easier to travel by walking, cycling, and using a wheelchair
  • Increasing affordable housing and reducing short-term lets and second homes
  • Increasing the working-age population in the National Park and providing green skills and training opportunities
  • Moving to a wellbeing economy that puts the health of people and planet first
  • Celebrating the cultural heritage of the Cairngorms, including Gaelic and Scots / Doric
  • Xander McDade, convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “This is the largest, most ambitious Partnership Plan ever created – with major activity including peatland and woodland restoration, affordable housing, green skills, and a wellbeing economy – and represents a vision for what the National Park could look like by 2027, and indeed by 2045 when Scotland aims to have achieved net zero.

    “Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030’s 24 long-term projects will be a key delivery vehicle for much of the Partnership Plan’s activity, bringing about transformational change, benefitting people’s health and wellbeing, delivering on climate change, and enhancing nature across the National Park.

    “A lot has changed since the last time we came together to launch a partnership plan and taken together, these changes tell us one thing very clearly: that continuing with the status quo is not an option. The Cairngorms National Park should be – in fact, must be – at the forefront of doing things differently. With the help of our communities and more than 100 partner organisations, people and nature will thrive together in the Cairngorms National Park, both now and in the future.”

    Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity said: “Our National Parks are amazing places to live and visit and are home to some of Scotland’s finest landscapes and wildlife. They do essential work to restore our natural environment, tackle the climate crisis, help manage facilities for visitors, promote responsible access and develop sustainable communities.”

    “The Cairngorms National Park is the largest in the UK and is well placed to become an exemplar in nature restoration, cutting climate emissions from restoring forests and peatlands, and helping Scotland meet its climate targets as part of a just transition.

    “The new Park Plan breaks new ground in its ambition to improve the park and deliver for the environment and is based on listening to and involving communities in the Cairngorms. I have been closely involved in its development, and I was extremely encouraged to see nearly 1,500 people take part in the consultation on the future of this special place. This partnership approach gives us the best possible chance of delivering a Park where people and nature thrive together.

    “National Parks can do so much for Scotland and that is why we are committed to establish at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026.”

    The Cairngorms National Park Authority conducted six months of detailed consultation (23 September to 17 December 2021) with residents, visitors, businesses, land managers, partners, and others to inform the plan. This included a dedicated consultation website and over 40 in-person and face-to-face events.

    Of these responses, more than half came from people living or working within the National Park, with a range of businesses, community groups, land managers and environmental NGOs also represented. Over two thirds of respondents supported the draft Partnership Plan’s outcomes and objectives across the three themes of Nature, People and Place.

    Read the final draft of the next National Park Partnership Plan 2022-2027

    Posted on 26th August 2022

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications

    Call for public to get involved in transformational transport initiative for the Cairngorms National Park

    The Cairngorms National Park Authority is asking for the public’s help to make the Cairngorms more enjoyable for everyone to get around. A new online consultation has been launched, looking to find out what is needed to make it easier for everyone to get around the Park by walking, cycling and using a wheelchair.

    The Transforming Transport suite of projects is part of the wider Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme, which will empower people who live, visit and work in the UK’s largest national park to tackle the climate and nature crises. The projects have received funding through The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, and funding through the Sustrans Places For Everyone fund.

    Since being awarded the funding in 2021 the Cairngorms National Park Authority has been working hard behind the scenes and have put together a new Transforming Transport Team. The team consists of 3 active travel professionals; Anna Ronayne, Sjoerd Tel and Helen Wilson, who will develop the projects over the next 18 months ready for delivery in 2024-28.

    The Transforming Transport team will be on the ground around the Park, seeking resident and visitor views on what could be done to improve active travel and transport in the Park, and where people think improvements are needed most. Through working with communities and partners, the team aim to develop high-quality walking, wheelchair accessible and cycling connections both in and between communities.

    Family friendly Community Engagement sessions will be held in the following communities across the next few weeks. People are welcome to join the team for a tea and coffee to discuss community needs and aspirations:

  • Boat of Garten Community Hall – 18th August 4:30-8:00pm
  • Aviemore Community Centre – 23rd August 4:00-8:00pm
  • Carrbridge Village Hall – 23rd August 4:30-8:00pm
  • Newtonmore Village Hall – 24th August 4:30-8:00pm
  • Dulnain Bridge Community Hall – 1st September 4:30-8:00pm
  • Nethy Bridge Community Centre – 6th September 4:30-8:00pm
  • The sessions are open to everyone in the local community – if transport assistance is required, please contact the Badenoch and Strathspey Community Transport Company on 01479 810004 (during office hours).

    Further dates to follow including in Tomintoul and Glenlivet, Deeside and Highland Perthshire.

    Other projects that link to this initiative include creating a dedicated e-bike network for residents and visitors to use, investigating future transport options for the route between Aviemore and Cairngorm Mountain, and improving the way public transport could operate in Deeside.

    Grant Moir, Chief Executive at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “Views on active travel and accessibility in the Park came through strongly in the Partnership Plan consultation and with transport accounting for over a third of Scotland’s carbon emissions, how residents and visitors travel to and around the National Park will need to change if we are to achieve our net zero targets.

    “Through these projects we have a chance to put active travel at the heart of a greener and healthier future and for the Park to become a rural exemplar for sustainable and active travel. This will not happen without the support and involvement of those that live and work here and we encourage as many people as possible to get involved with the consultation.”

    In the months ahead the Transforming Transport team are keen to hear views from everyone living and working in and visiting the Park. Opinions can be given online here: https://cairngorms2030.commonplace.is or you can get in touch with the team by e-mailing transport@cairngorms.co.uk

    Posted on 10th August 2022

    by Joanna Hampson

    The Park Plan’s Place objectives were shaped by your feedback – thank you!

    The final draft of the National Park Partnership Plan includes a range of suggestions that you sent in to us via email, post, the interactive map and here on this web site last year.

    In the Place section of the Park Plan, you said you wanted to see priority given to affordable housing and controls on second homes and short-term lets. As a result, specific actions on second homes and short-term lets have been added, and affordable housing has been brought to the front in this section.

    You also said that you wanted to see improvements in public transport, path and cycle networks across the National Park. The Park Plan now prioritises improving public transport and active travel routes, particularly through our Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 project.

    A commitment to upgrading visitor infrastructure, including accessible toilets was also highlighted. As a result of your feedback, An action has been added around accessible toilets, alongside a commitment to creating and maintaining high quality visitor infrastructure.

    The infographic above shows some of the changes that were made to the place section of the Park Plan because of the feedback you provided.

    Stay tuned for more Park Plan updates in the coming weeks!

    You might also be interested to have a look at some of the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 projects that relate to many of the objectives in the Park Plan and you can watch our latest film here too.

    Posted on 1st August 2022

    by Joanna Hampson

    Your feedback helped revise the Park Plan’s people objectives.

    In our last update we mentioned that a final draft of the National Park Partnership Plan had been published, which incorporated a range of suggestions that you sent in to us via email, post, the interactive map and here on this web site last year.

    In the people section of the Park Plan, you asked for more detail on green skills and training opportunities, linked to changing land management practices. You also highlighted the need for identifying targeted support for a range of under-represented groups. In addition, many of you said we needed to celebrate the Cairngorms’ rich cultural heritage alongside the National Park's Gaelic language commitments.

    The infographic above shows some of the changes that were made to the people section of the Park Plan because of the feedback you provided.

    Stay tuned for more Park Plan updates in the coming weeks!

    You might also be interested to have a look at some of the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 projects that relate to many of the objectives in the Park Plan and you can watch our latest film here too.

    Posted on 11th July 2022

    by Joanna Hampson

    We’ve listened to your feedback on the Park Plan’s nature objectives.

    We recently  published a final draft of the National Park Partnership Plan  which incorporated a range of suggestions that you sent in to us via email, post, the interactive map and here on this web site last year. 

    In the nature section of the Park Plan, there were a number of areas where you wanted objectives to be more ambitious and called for more species-specific activity and action on wildlife crime.  You also highlighted the need for mutual benefits for communities and owners when it comes to private investment in land in the Park.

    The infographic above shows some of the changes that were made to the nature section of the Park Plan as a result of the feedback you provided.  

    Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks on the people and place sections of the Park Plan. 

    You might also be interested to  have a look at some of the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 projects  that relate to many of the objectives in the Park Plan and you can  watch our latest film here too .

    Posted on 28th June 2022

    by Admin

    Celebrating cultural heritage in the Park

    You wanted to hear more about heritage! During the Park Plan consultation, a lot of you said you’d like to hear more about heritage, arts and culture in the Park. We’re happy to announce that one of the  Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 projects has launched a map-based directory of creative practitioners in the Park . More than 80 Park creatives including musicians, poets, painters, sculptors and storytellers have contributed to the new directory which has received development phase funding through The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

    The Community Arts & Culture project’s creative map showcases the depth and breadth of creative activity, expertise and resources in the Cairngorms National Park.  More widely, the project aims to create a greater connection to landscape and place and encourage a desire among Park communities to get involved in climate action.

    The second stage of the project will see Park creatives come together through a series of workshops to consider ideas on how to inspire and involve members of the community in climate action projects, some of which could be art installations, writers’ forums, youth and school climate activities or community design projects. The aim is to develop some of these ideas, bring them forward for consideration by communities with a view to submitting them for funding consideration for the delivery phase of the Cairngorms 2030 programme.

    Tania Alliod, project lead, Cairngorms National Park Authority said : “The Community Arts & Culture project is an opportunity for the Park’s creative community to articulate their vision for the contribution community arts and culture makes towards deepening our sense of connectedness with our landscapes and achieving transformational climate action. The first objective was to develop a map to showcase creative practitioners of the Park and I am delighted that so many have contributed and chosen to participate.

    “We have now begun the second part of the project’s development phase, working in partnership with Park creative practitioners in consultation focus groups to develop and take forward a number of ideas for fostering a desire among people to get involved in community-based climate action through culture and art.”

    The 18-month development phase of the Community Arts & Culture project is in progress and will culminate in the production of a stage two funding application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund in June 2023, when the ideas for community-based climate action culture and arts projects will be presented. If successful it is anticipated the delivery phase of these projects will run from 2023-2028. The Art and Culture project is one of many that will contribute to the second stage application of the wider Cairngorms 2030 project.

    One of the creative practitioners involved in the Creative Directory, Frances Crawford of Art in the Buchat, said: “The Creative Directory is a fantastic resource for creatives, communities and visitors to the park and really demonstrates the range and richness of the creative talent we have here.”

    Creatives in the Park who wish to be involved in this project can contact taniaalliod@cairngorms.co.uk

    See the Creative Directory here.

    Find out more about the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 projects here. 

    Image: Strathfest Performers by Sophia McLeod

    Posted on 22nd June 2022

    by Admin

    Public feedback helps shape a new draft plan for the Cairngorms National Park

    The Cairngorms National Park Authority have  published a final draft of the National Park Partnership Plan , incorporating a range of suggestions from members of the public and partner organisations. The new draft draws upon feedback from more than 1,400 people who took part in the formal consultation, which ran from 23 September to 17 December last year. The plan will be  reviewed by the Park Authority board on 10 June , before being submitted to Scottish Government for approval over the coming weeks.

    Of the 1,400 responses received to the formal public consultation, more than half came from people living or working within the National Park, with a range of businesses, community groups, land managers and environmental NGOs also represented. Over two thirds of respondents supported the draft Plan’s outcomes and objectives across the three themes of Nature, People and Place; however, there were a number of areas which respondents were keen for the Park Authority to review. 

    Nature Whilst there was a good level of support for this section of the original draft, a number of changes have been proposed based on respondent feedback, including:

  • Being more ambitious and targeted in tackling both the climate and nature crises  – the Park Authority is working with independent experts Small World Consulting to establish firm targets for reaching both a net zero and carbon negative position. The suggested target for peatland restoration has also been increased from 35,000 ha to a minimum of 38,000 ha following a detailed mapping exercise (a 9% increase).
  • More targeted action on species conservation and wildlife crime  – specific actions have been added on tackling wildlife crime, as well as targeted support for species including beaver and capercaillie.
  • Ensuring private finance delivers public benefit  – the final draft suggests that green investment ‘must deliver long-term benefits and be in the public interest… shared between the owner and local communities.’
  • The right tree in the right place  – in response to some concerns over indiscriminate tree planting, particularly on agricultural land, the new plan takes the approach of ‘the right tree in the right place for the right reason’, ensuring that the relatively limited area of in-bye land* in the National Park continues to play a part in the nation’s food security and is protected from wholesale conversion to woodland.
  • Recognising the role of moorland management  – there were strong views on either side of the debate regarding moorland management; however, the important role moorland managers play in supporting nature in the National Park has been recognised, and deer targets have been broadened to include wider herbivore impacts. Reference has also been made to a new national licensing regime for grouse moors.
  • People Nearly three quarters of respondents agreed with the original draft outcome and objectives for People; however, a number of changes were requested including:

  • Providing more explicit support for a range of under-represented groups  – amongst a range of measures, specific actions have been added to encourage Disability Confident and Carer Positive employers, and to support the Young Person’s Guarantee. The objective on housing has been strengthened to include support for those facing economic hardship, people with disabilities, ethnic minority communities and LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Skills and training opportunities  – The need to support rural workers in the National Park to take advantage of the growth in green jobs has been recognised in the new draft, including support for stalking employment and the skills that will be needed to do this work over the long-term.
  • Community ownership, community benefit  – many respondents wanted the plan to be more explicit about the benefits of community ownership, and to reflect that community management could be just as significant in some areas. This wording has been amended, and the need for further training and support to help communities take forward these projects has been added.
  • Gaelic and celebrating wider cultural heritage – a range of views were expressed on the approach to Gaelic, with several respondents also highlighting the importance of Scots and Doric. This latter point has been recognised, alongside the need to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the area. 
  • Place As with the People theme, a large majority of respondents supported the draft outcome and objectives for Place, but there were a few key areas that required attention:

  • Highlighting the need for affordable housing  – affordable housing and controls on second homes and short-term lets was seen as the number one priority by the majority of respondents and three objectives on this topic have been moved to the start of the section as a result. A more detailed rationale behind the targets has been included, and specific action on second homes / short-term lets included.
  • Improving public transport  – whilst the need to improve public transport was included in the original draft, the new version includes more detail on the Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme, which will work with residents and partners across the National Park to improve public transport and better connect communities through seven specific transport and active travel projects.
  • Better visitor infrastructure, including accessible toilets  – a number of people wanted to see a more explicit commitment to improving visitor infrastructure (for example, campsites and toilets); this has now been included, alongside a specific action on accessible toilets.
  • Active travel and vehicle usage  – in response to calls for improving path and cycle networks across the Park (with a specific focus on accessibility), the latest version includes a commitment to improve path, cycle and outdoor access networks for to the widest range of people. Some residents felt the target of >50% of journeys not taking place by private car was too ambitious due to the rural nature of the area and this target has been adjusted to 20% in line with Scottish transport commitments.
  • Diversifying the economy  – the new draft plan includes a commitment to encourage and support businesses to use nature-based solutions to support a diverse economy, making the Cairngorms an exemplar for rural economies across Scotland.
  • Xander McDade, Board Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said:  “The Park Authority board has been delighted with both the high amount of engagement and quality of responses to our fourth National Park Partnership Plan, and it is encouraging to see the final draft addressing specific comments from residents, local businesses, land managers, partners and many other groups.“The public consultation and analysis stage is an integral part in the process of delivering a Park Plan that reflects local and national priorities and I would like to again thank the more than 1,400 respondents who took the time to give feedback. The board will now discuss the final draft in public session on Friday 10 June, with a view to a final plan being sent to Scottish Ministers for approval over the next few weeks.“I believe that this draft plan is the most ambitious ever written but, crucially, it is also achievable, helping harness the energy and participation of Park residents, visitors and organisations operating in the National Park over the next five years.”

    Posted on 6th June 2022

    by Admin

    Record response to Park Plan includes feedback on nature restoration, affordable housing and land management

    [CLICK HERE TO SEE THE INFOGRAPHIC IN A LARGER FILE SIZE]

    The Cairngorms National Park Authority are in the final analysis stage of the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan process. The Plan will go to the CNPA board on 10 June followed by submission to Scottish Ministers for final approval.  

    Of the 1,400 responses received to the formal public consultation for the next Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan, over two thirds of respondents supported the draft Plan’s outcomes and objectives across the three themes of Nature, People and Place. 

    Carolyn Caddick, Deputy Convenor of the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board said : “Over half of the total response to the draft Park Plan came from people within the Park, with more than 700 local residents, businesses, community groups and land managers taking part. Alongside these, more than 50 organisations responded, from councils to deer management groups, NGOs and community organisations. 

     “The analysis stage is a critical part in the process of delivering a plan that reflects local and national priorities for the future of the Park. Inevitably, any plan of this nature will involve a degree of compromise, with the consultation hearing views on both sides of several issues.” 

    CNPA has reviewed every one of the 1,400 responses and is now pulling together a full consultation report, which will be published in full alongside the final Plan in June. In the meantime, CNPA staff and board are considering potential changes to the plan, in light of the feedback received. Whilst these discussions are ongoing, several areas of focus have emerged as key priorities: 

    Nature On the Nature section of the plan, 75% of respondents agreed with the overall outcomes proposed. There was strong support from a wide range of respondents for action to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. There was some debate about how far that action should go and how quickly, with many keen for the plan to be even more ambitious and others asking for changes to some of the targets.  Peatland restoration and ecological restoration were both welcomed, as was the creation of new rural jobs. On land management there was significant debate over woodland expansion, muirburn (some calling for a ban, others for it to be protected as an important land management activity), grouse moor management and controlling deer numbers. These issues will be considered carefully as the final park plan is developed.     

    People Within the People section, 83% respondents felt the draft outcomes were on the right track, with a number of comments received about them being ‘sensible’ and ‘pragmatic’, albeit more detail has been requested for some of the objectives. Support for young people to remain in the Park, helping local businesses transition to net zero and welcoming a more diverse range of visitors to the Park were all popular. A common concern was about the lack of affordable housing for local residents and workers and, whilst these issues were addressed in the Place section, the strength of feeling illustrates the strong relationship between housing and its role in sustaining communities and businesses within the Cairngorms National Park.  

    Place 85% of respondents agreed with the overall outcomes proposed in the Place section. Affordable housing and controls on second homes and rental properties both came out very strongly, as did the need for improved public transport options, cycle paths and walking routes. The emphasis on sustainable tourism was welcomed, albeit some felt that more investment was required to accommodate the number of visitors already coming to the Park. There were calls for the rich cultural heritage of the area to be celebrated, and for more to be done to support local communities post-Covid.  

    Xander McDade, Board Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said:  “We are extremely grateful to everyone who responded to the draft Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan. It’s encouraging that a clear majority of people support our draft proposals for Nature, People and Place, but we will listen carefully to all opinions and take these into account as we explore changes to the plan. 

    “As always with a document of this nature, there will be a range of opinions on both sides of a number of issues and our job as a Park Authority is to listen to all sides of the argument and take a considered view of the best way forward, in line with the founding principles of the National Park.   

    “We are fortunate to have such a large body of opinion to draw from, including over 50% of responses from people in the Park. We look forward to sharing more information on this as soon as it’s available in the summer.”

    Posted on 11th April 2022

    by Admin

    Thank you to the 1,453 people who contributed to the consultation for our next National Park Partnership Plan.

    Thank you to the over 1,400 people who contributed to the consultation for our next National Park Partnership Plan - your views will help shape the future of the Cairngorms as we enter one of the most exciting eras for the Park since it was established in 2003. 

    Not only did we reach a record number of responses, but over three quarters of people agreed with our overall outcomes for Nature , People and Place , and at least two-thirds of people agreed with the proposed objectives. Across the board, you sent a clear message that urgent action is needed to address climate change and biodiversity loss. 

    Each comment is currently being read in detail and some areas of the draft plan will be changed to reflect the views you’ve shared. These will help us to deliver a plan that reflects local and national priorities for the Park.  

    It will take some time to read through all the responses in detail, so please bear with us and stay tuned for future updates. 

    Posted on 15th February 2022

    by Admin

    Record response from Park residents to Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan public consultation

    More than 1,400 responses have been received to the formal public consultation for the next Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan, just under five times the response level to the previous plan. The figure was boosted by a strong showing from people living and working in the area, with over half of all responses coming from Park residents. 55% of respondents were from within the park (residents, land managers and Park business owners), 36% were visitors, 2% from partner organisations and 8% chose ‘other’ as a response.

    Given the unprecedented level of response it will take a few more weeks for the Park Authority to read through and process all responses in detail; however, some early trends are beginning to emerge. Three quarters of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the overall  NaturePeople  and  Place  outcomes set out in the  draft plan , with comments ranging from changes to deer and moorland management to sustainable jobs, affordable housing provision, public transport improvements and managing the impacts of increasing visitor numbers. 

    Xander McDade, Board Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “We’ve been delighted with the level of response to the draft plan, which has proposed some of the most ambitious objectives ever proposed for the Cairngorms National Park. I’d like to thank all those who took the time to voice their opinions – we’ll be reading each and every submission over the next few weeks and look forward to sharing more detail in due course.

    “Given the importance of climate change and biodiversity crisis it is perhaps unsurprising that the objectives within the nature section drew the most responses and stimulated the greatest debate. What is clear from initial observation of responses is the strong desire to take action to address critical issues such as climate change. We are aware, though, that there are areas across the draft plan that will need to be changed to reflect the comments we’ve received, and we will be working through these changes over the next few months. 

    “I’d particularly like to thank those living and working in the Park who took the time to respond. We believe that the Cairngorms National Park is a place where people and nature can thrive together; our communities in the Cairngorms are critical to this and so the fact that over 700 local residents, businesses, community groups and land managers took part will help us in delivering a plan that reflects local and national priorities for the future of the Park.”

    The draft plan drew on public feedback received over the autumn months of 2021 and set out how all those with a responsibility for the Cairngorms National Park will co-ordinate their work to tackle the most important issues, setting a framework for all the public bodies delivering relevant functions in the Cairngorms National Park. 

    The formal consultation on the draft partnership plan closed on Friday 17 December 2021 after respondents used this dedicated Cairngorms Views website and mapping tool, post, email, and phone to give their views. More than 500 people attended physical events in the park throughout the consultation period and the campaign to raise awareness of the public consultation reached over 250,000 on digital platforms.

    Responses to the consultation have now been collated and the upcoming analysis of responses will inform changes to the plan before it is considered for approval by the Park Authority Board and submitted to Scottish Ministers in summer 2022 for final sign off. This will be the fourth Partnership Plan since the National Park was established in 2003.

    Posted on 1st February 2022

    by Admin

    The Park Plan consultation closes today at 10pm! 

    The response since the consultation opened in September has been strong, with comments from Park residents and visitors received via email, phone, post, and through the dedicated Cairngorms Views website .  

    The consultation closes today at 10pm  but there is still time to share your views on the draft Park Plan if you haven’t already: 

  • Comment on the Place section here
  • Comment on the People section here
  • Comment on the Nature section here
  • Use this mapping tool to pinpoint your ideas or identify certain issues 
  • You also provide feedback via:

  • Freepost: Cairngorms National Park Authority, FREEPOST NAT21454, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3BR. 
  • Phone: 44 (0) 1479 873 535  
  • Email: haveyoursay@cairngorms.co.uk
  • Posted on 17th December 2021

    by Admin

    Public opinion on critical topics relating to future of the Cairngorms National Park sought

    Affordable housing, public transport improvements and tackling visitor pressures are among the topics the public is urged to comment on as the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) prepares to close the consultation on the next Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan on Friday 17 December 2021. 

    The response since the consultation opened in September has been strong, with just under 1,000 comments received via email, phone, post, and through the dedicated Cairngorms Views website. However, with just ten days to go until the consultation closes,  more public opinion is sought on the development of housing, transport, and tourism in the ‘Places’ section of the consultation and a dedicated mapping tool has been created to enable people to place a ‘pin’ in the map and identify specific issues that matter to them.

    Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the CNPA said: “We’ve been thrilled by the response so far, which is almost three times the level received five years ago. Perhaps unsurprisingly, issues relating to nature and the environment have featured strongly in people’s responses; however, we’re keen to hear the public’s thoughts on our People and Place themes, too.

    “So far we have received comments from the public on concerns on availability of housing in the Park. We’ve heard from young people who want to live and work in the Park, but who require better housing and employment opportunities to do so. We’ve heard from communities who want to be more empowered to help them address the challenges they face. And we’ve heard from people who want to highlight issues relating to transport and tourism that they would like to see addressed.

    “Ahead of the public consultation closing on 17 December, it’s critical that we hear from as wide a variety of people as possible on the draft plan, to help us achieve a Cairngorms National Park that is enjoyed and valued by everyone and where nature and people thrive together."

    The draft Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan draws on extensive public feedback received over the summer and sets out how all those with a responsibility for the Cairngorms National Park will co-ordinate their work to tackle the most important issues, setting a framework for all the public bodies delivering relevant functions in the Cairngorms National Park. This will be the fourth Partnership Plan since the National Park was established in 2003.

    The formal consultation on the draft Partnership Plan runs until Friday 17 December 2021. Responses are being gathered through a number of different physical events and digital platforms, including this dedicated Cairngorms Views website and  an interactive mapping tool .

    If people are having internet connectivity issues caused by storm damage, they can call 01479 873 535 and request that a paper copy be sent to them.   

    People can also provide feedback via: Freepost: Cairngorms National Park Authority, FREEPOST NAT21454, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3BR.  Phone: 44 (0) 1479 873 535  Email: haveyoursay@cairngorms.co.uk

    Responses to the consultation will be collated in the new year, and these will inform any changes to the plan before it is considered for approval by the Park Authority Board and submitted to Scottish Ministers in June 2022 for final sign off.

    Posted on 8th December 2021

    by Admin

    Have your say tomorrow at Boat of Garten Community Hall

    There are just three weeks left to share your views on the draft National Park Partnership Plan before the consultation closes on 17 December. You may already have given your thoughts on the Nature section of the Plan but we’d still love to hear more from you on other topics, particularly those in the Place section. This includes major issues such as public transport, affordable housing, visitor numbers and community involvement in the planning system, all key themes from the informal consultation phase.  You can give your feedback on this topic here .

    If you live nearby and prefer to share your views in person, you are welcome to attend our event at Boat of Garten Hall tomorrow (30 November) at 1pm to find out more about the draft Park Plan over soup and sandwiches. There will be a short presentation by our CEO, Grant Moir, and a chance to ask questions about the aims and objectives included in the draft plan. Book your free place now here .

    You can also request a hard copy of the draft plan and questions by emailing haveyoursay@cairngorms.co.uk or by calling +44 (0) 1479 873 535. 

    Posted on 29th November 2021

    by Admin

    The housing crisis: we need more of your views on this topic

    Left to right: Shona Robison, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, Mark Tate, CEO, Cairngorms Business Partnership and Kate Forbes, Highland MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy attended the housing summit in Aviemore. 

    -

    Two of the objectives of the National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP) are to ensure that there is sufficient housing stock to enable people to live and work within the National Park and to ensure the private rented sector provides appropriate security of tenure for people working in the National Park.  

    One of the 74 responses we received on this topic in the NPPP said: “I do have concerns that there is little that can be done to control the housing availability issue without resorting to drastic changes, much sooner than suggested. The amount of second homes and Airbnb’s in the Park is already huge, and there must be urgent action in collaboration with local authorities to allow local people to fill homes in the Park, and to stem the current epidemic of housing stock being snapped up by the highest bidder.” 

    You can give your feedback on this topic and other topics relating to the Places of the Park here. 

    On Monday, the Cairngorms Business Partnership unveiled to Cabinet Secretaries Kate Forbes, Highland MSP, and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy and Shona Robison, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, their plans to help alleviate the housing crisis facing workers in the Cairngorms National Park.

    The summit discussed work that is currently being undertaken to help local people who want to live and work in the area and brought together significant local employers, leaders from Highland Council, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Highland Housing Alliance, Communities Housing Trust, Government Officials, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and representatives of the local community.  

    The formal consultation on the draft NPPP runs until Friday 17 December 2021. Responses are being gathered through physical events and digital platforms, including this web site and  interactive mapping tools .

    Posted on 24th November 2021

    by Admin

    One month to go! What are your thoughts on transport, housing and tourism?

    It’s only four weeks until the close of the consultation on the next Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP) and everyone is encouraged – if they haven’t done so already – to make their views known on what is considered the most crucial NPPP to date. The response since the consultation opened in September has been strong with over 400 comments received so far. Issues relating to nature and the environment have attracted a particularly high response rate, but the Cairngorms National Park Authority is also keen to hear views on other issues as well, such as, transport, housing or tourism.

  • Have your say on the People section of the plan here
  • Have your say on the Place section of the plan here
  • “The need to act at pace and scale on the climate and nature crisis is clearer than ever and of course, when the previous NPPP was launched back in 2017, no-one knew what Covid-19 was,” said Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the CNPA. “So much has changed in the last five years, so our next National Park Partnership Plan needs to be ambitious and robust to address the many issues we face.”

    “The draft Park Plan that is currently out for consultation represents the most ambitious set of targets and actions we’ve ever considered but does it capture all the priorities for the Park? We are delighted to have received over 400 responses, with a particular emphasis on the Nature section of our draft plan. However there are other elements we need respondents to focus on, particularly around People and Place.

    “We want to hear what people have to say about supporting jobs for young people, greater community empowerment, health and wellbeing – both of residents and visitors – as well as the local economy, diversification, skills and training. We need everyone with an interest to log onto the consultation website or get in touch and share their views with us.”

    The draft Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan draws on extensive public feedback received over the summer and sets out how all those with a responsibility for the National Park will co-ordinate their work to tackle the most important issues, setting a framework for all the public bodies delivering relevant functions in the Cairngorms National Park. This will be the fourth Partnership Plan since the National Park was established in 2003.

    In the build up to the formal consultation on the NPPP, more than 500 responses were gathered to help shape the draft Plan including views on a range of topics critical to the future of the Cairngorms National Park. Key themes included tackling the climate emergency, improved public transport and better walking and cycling routes, affordable housing, looking after the needs of the local workforce, woodland expansion and peatland restoration, and managing the impacts of increasing visitor numbers.

    The formal consultation on the draft NPPP runs until Friday 17 December 2021. Responses are being gathered through a number of different physical events and digital platforms, including this web site and  interactive mapping tools.

    Following that, a consultation report will be produced in the New Year that sets out all the key feedback, which will inform any changes to the plan before it is considered for approval by the Park Authority Board and submitted to Scottish Ministers in June 2022 for final sign off.

    Posted on 19th November 2021

    by Admin

    We need your views on affordable housing, transport, jobs and much more

    We're a couple of months into the formal consultation now and we've been blown away with both the volume and quality of responses received so far. Over 300 of you have already shared your thoughts on the draft plan, with a particular emphasis on our proposed objectives for Nature over the next five years. Thank you to you all for taking part.

    What you may not be aware of is that there are two other sections which we'd love your feedback on: People and Place .

    The People section focuses on vital areas such as:

  • Adopting the Living Wage across the Park
  • Boosting jobs and employment opportunities, including for young people
  • Increasing community ownership / decision making
  • Helping more diverse communities visit the National Park
  • The Place section covers important topics including:

  • Greater affordable housing provision
  • Major investment in public transport
  • Stabilising the number of visitors to the Park
  • Improving paths for walking, cycling and wheeling
  • Taking part should only take 10-15 mins , but your thoughts can make a huge difference to the shape of the final Park Plan. To share your views, visit the People section and the Place section of the Commonplace website. If you've already taken part, you shouldn't need to enter your personal details again.

    The closing date for consultation responses is Friday 17 December.

    Posted on 11th November 2021

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications

    Public views sought as formal consultation phase for fourth Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan is launched

  • More than 500 public responses received over summer months from informal consultation phase.
  • 92% of respondents recognise need for individuals, communities, and businesses to take action to tackle climate change.
  • 56% of respondents feel the economy in the Park will recover quickly post-Covid-19.
  • 89% of respondents agree that local communities have an important part to play in shaping the future of the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Public comments welcomed on the newly published draft Plan, with the consultation running until December.
  • The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has launched the formal consultation phase for the next Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan. The draft plan draws on extensive public feedback received since June and sets out how all those with a responsibility for the National Park will co-ordinate their work to tackle the most important issues, setting a framework for all the public bodies delivering relevant functions in the Cairngorms National Park. This will be the fourth Partnership Plan since the National Park was established in 2003.

    Over the summer, the CNPA gave people the opportunity to help shape a draft Partnership Plan. Anyone with an interest was able to take part in answering a series of questions, including via a dedicated Cairngorms Views website and by using interactive mapping tools, where participants could ‘drop a pin’ where they considered an issue needed addressing and leave comments.

    More than 500 responses were gathered, highlighting the public’s views on a range of topics critical to the future of the Cairngorms National Park. Key themes included tackling the climate emergency, improved public transport and walking / cycling routes, affordable housing, looking after the needs of the local workforce, tree planting and peatland restoration, and managing the impacts of increasing visitor numbers. A remarkable 92% of respondents said it was either important or very important that action was taken to tackle climate change, whilst 89% agreed or strongly agreed that local communities have an important part to play in shaping the future of the Cairngorms National Park. Around half of respondents (48%) were optimistic about the future, with just over a quarter (27%) pessimistic.

    Xander McDade, Convener of the CNPA Board , said: "We’re very pleased with the great response we’ve had so far and I would like to thank all those who have already responded their thoughts to help shape the draft plan. There has been a wide range of opinions expressed, but there have also been a number of recurring themes such as affordable housing, better transport and improving conservation within the Park to help combat our biodiversity crisis.

    “I feel that the draft National Park Partnership Plan is probably our most ambitious to date and has been shaped not just by public sector and third sector partners, but by local businesses and the people who live and work here.

    “It is vitally important that everyone who calls the National Park home, or enjoys the Cairngorms for recreation or works here, gets involved in this consultation so that it reflects the future we all aspire to and is truly a Park for All.”

    The Scottish Government's Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater MSP , said: “Urgent action is needed to tackle the climate and nature crisis. We must work together – individuals, communities, and businesses – to deliver transformative change. National Parks are a vital part of this effort.

    “I urge all who care about the people, communities and natural environment of the Cairngorms National Park to share their voices through the channels offered within the this public consultation to shape a meaningful plan for the future of the Park.”

    The formal consultation process for the fourth Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan started today (Thursday 23 September) and will run for 12 weeks to the 17 December 2021. Responses will be gathered through a number of different physical events and digital platforms including the dedicated Cairngorms Views website and interactive mapping tools. Following that, a consultation report will be produced in the New Year that sets out all the key feedback, which will inform any changes to the plan before it is approved by the Park Authority Board and submitted to Scottish Ministers in June 2022 for final sign off.

    To find out more and to give your views, please visit the Nature , People and Place sections of the consultation website.

    Posted on 23rd September 2021

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications

    Map your views on future of the Cairngorms National Park

    In a final push to gather as much information and opinion as possible for the next Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan, the Cairngorms National Park Authority has launched an interactive map, where people can highlight areas of interest or concern by ‘dropping a pin’.

    The main consultation on the National Park’s fourth Partnership Plan will begin later this month, but officers at the Park Authority have been giving people an early opportunity to help shape the draft document by getting involved in the conversation over the summer, including via the dedicated Cairngorms Views website you're currently visiting.

    Whilst the core consultation questions will remain online for a few more weeks, this new mapping tool will enable people to leave more specific comments in less than five minutes by pin-pointing on a map the issues or projects that are important to them, their families and their communities.

    The Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan is the central document that directs and focuses the work of all those organisations operating in the National Park over the next five years. The Partnership Plan will run from 2022 to 2027. Much has changed across the country since the Park Authority consulted people on the previous Park Plan, with the climate emergency and biodiversity crises coming to the fore, COP26 in Glasgow on the horizon, and the world emerging from the grip of a global pandemic.

    These significant events alongside tackling local issues will make for an ambitious new National Park Partnership Plan and the Park Authority is keen to hear from a wide range of people about the various issues they care about. The initial warm-up exercises that have been carried out over the summer have gathered a great deal of knowledge so far to help develop a draft Partnership Plan for consultation, which will get underway later this month.

    Using the new mapping tool is extremely easy, with a small number of multiple choice questions and space for people to write as much or as little as they want on the issues that matter to them. Users simply click on the map at the place they wish to comment on and type in a few sentences highlighting the issue or concern. People are able to drop a virtual pin in any area of the map, be that a visitor spot, road or village and they can view what other people have been saying by scanning the map to see other pins and find out what the main topics are.

    To view existing comments and to add your own views to the map, visit our dedicated mapping webpage .

    Posted on 3rd September 2021

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications

    Spotlight on local communities

    The Cairngorms National Park is home to 18,000 people across five local authority areas: Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus, and Perth and Kinross. We're interested to find out what support people need to have a greater say in the way their local community or area is run. Below are just a few of the comments you've shared with us so far:

  • "More engagement through events and education aiming to drive discussion about the future of the Park. Also by increasing our reach through social media to raise awareness of the challenges faced."
  • "A representative from each community to gather insight who has a contact with someone in the Park."
  • "Communities within settlements within the CNP often require more information on how the land around them is managed. The CNPA could act as a catalyst to support local land managers to improve this information flow where necessary."
  • "People need to feel their views are genuinely heard. Too often consultation exercises don't really reflect local priorities. Equally, we have to be realistic that in some cases local people may actually want outcomes which may damage the natural environment, leading to difficult decisions. Transparency and consistency are vital."
  • "Local communities are dying without available affordable housing and public transport. It's blindingly obvious that if these things were provided, communites would thrive."
  • "Accessible information. Distribution of power. Representatives who truly represent them and their interests. Incentives for involvement - through demonstrating that it works, and makes change happen."
  • "Provide organised events, tours, trips to visitors using local businesses who work in conjunction with the Park authorities."
  • "Policy should be more 'bottom-up' than 'top-down'."
  • We've received over 200 responses to our initial survey so far, but we'd love to hear from more of you over the coming weeks. So whether you agree or disagree with any of the views outlined above, please consider adding your voice to the consultation . Your opinions really do matter and will help shape the next five years of the Cairngorms National Park. And if you have contributed already, please do or share this consultation with your friends and family to help us reach as many Park enthusiasts as possible.

    Posted on 12th August 2021

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications

    Spotlight on achieving net zero

    We've just passed the 100 days to go mark for COP26, which is due to take place in Glasgow in November. In honour of this landmark - and to reflect our own ambitious plans for the Park Authority and National Park - this week's article is all about how we achieve net zero as a National Park, and what that means for the people who live, work and visit here. Below is just a small snapshot of the responses we've received to date to the question, "What steps do individuals, communities, businesses and organisations need to take for the National Park to reach net zero emissions?". If you haven't already done so, there's still time to add your response to the consultation:

  • "Make it easier to heat old houses. I've no loft or cavity wall, live in a conservation area so wooden sash windows and doors."
  • "Better public transport, it's very poor. You also need to be more forceful on not allowing people to drive and make them use public transport, cycle or walk."
  • "Investment in renewable energy sources (taking aesthetics and wildlife into consideration). Small community electricity generation."
  • "Grants and low interest loans to help small businesses transition. Provision of small runaround bus service (electric?) between villages and towns, particularly where public transport does not run."
  • "Encourage everyone living in the park to plant a tree/rewild in some way, identify places where trees can be planted by citizens, perhaps land owned by the council."
  • "Connecting Braemar to Ballater with a cycle path would be great to encourage more people to use this, and then we would be connected all the way to Aberdeen. Also, the west and the east of the park are totally disconnected by public transport. Even in the summer only I think this could be a good idea."
  • "I think larger businesses and organisations need to do more as the impact of reducing their carbon footprint is far bigger than individual endeavours."
  • "What's most important is allowing traditional businesses and land use - farming and estates - the chance to continue without ridiculous restrictions placed upon them. While we should attempt to reduce carbon it can't be at the expense of traditional farming and estates, to please the metropolitan elite."
  • "Organisations could really help communities by making information and resources available to those who might need a nudge in the right direction, or practical inspiration. Communities and businesses could then, perhaps with help, organise workshops to help others."
  • "For one, a simple meaningful scorecard that can be communicated openly would help. Also to kids via schools, as they influence the future - and their parents."
  • Thank you to everyone who has given us your views so far - these are all being fed into the discussions about the shape of the next National Park Partnership Plan and will help determine what the key priorities are for the Park Authority and partners to tackle. If you have any thoughts on the above comments, or want to put your own view across, we'd love to hear from you . And if you have contributed already, please do or share this consultation with your friends and family to help us reach as many Park enthusiasts as possible.

    Posted on 28th July 2021

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications

    Spotlight on businesses and communities recovering post Covid-19

    We're a few weeks into the consultation now and we're delighted that over 1,000 of you have visited our consultation hub. If you haven't already done so, we'd really love to hear your views on the six key themes of (i.) people and nature; (ii.) economic recovery; (iii.) achieving net zero; (iv.) local communities; (v.) visitors to the Park; and (vi.) a Park for everyone. Even if you don't have lots to say in one or two areas, we'd still be grateful for your thoughts on the issues that matter to you.

    To give you a wee bit of inspiration, here's what people have been saying so far on the theme of economic recovery post Covid-19:

  • "While we should attempt to reduce carbon it can't be at the expense of traditional farming and estates."
  • "Prioritising businesses which look at people and nature, to encourage further businesses to follow suit."
  • "Increasing the provision of affordable homes to encourage more inward migration to meet staffing needs. Also a min living wage for the Park?"
  • "Locals need to know they are being looked out for, and that their own area is being protected from damage and rising living costs, otherwise I fear this will impact the warm welcome visitors expect."
  • "It is essential that a unified economic strategy is put in place for the Cairngorms National Park and that this is 'signed up to' by all the relevant agencies - HIE, SE, Councils etc."
  • "Promote active visitors/ travel. Training for jobs for the future."
  • "Local and worldwide marketing campaign to say that the Cairngorm National Park has so much to offer in the area. With a wide variety of activities for all and beautiful scenery and landscape. Cairngorms and Scotland are open for business."
  • "Direct assistance for smaller local businesses. Many are unable to attract and retain staff due to the local housing crisis. Continued support for local community organisations helping those in most need."
  • "I do not believe it should be the remit of the park to 'help businesses'. The park should be concerned with conservation, of course including access for visitors."
  • "Build more infrastructure for camping. Do not try to curb the self catering market. Both theses areas of accommodation are growing, let's not discourage growth."
  • Do you agree or disagree with the above contributors? We'd love to hear your thoughts on the future of the Cairngorms National Park. If you haven't already done so, please share your views or share this consultation with your friends and family.

    Posted on 20th July 2021

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications

    Spotlight on people and nature

    In this consultation we've asked you to consider six themes: (i.) people and nature; (ii.) economic recovery; (iii.) achieving net zero; (iv.) local communities; (v.) visitors to the Park; and (vi.) a Park for everyone. Over the next few weeks we'll be shining a spotlight on each of these in turn, giving you a chance to hear what others have been saying about the future of the Park.

    This week we're looking at how people and nature interact in the National Park. Below is a selection of your views so far:

  • "Homes should be built to a standard in keeping with their surroundings and should use materials from the local area. They should also be affordable to families."
  • "Land should be protected but also managed well with farming, forestry and sporting estates working together."
  • "There should be strict but fair expectations communicated effectively to visitors to allow people to enjoy the outdoors without negatively impacting it."
  • "Reintroduction of native broadleaf woodland and diversification of grouse moorland. This will massively benefit biodiversity, as well as building resilience to climate change and achieving net zero."
  • "Increased public access to all areas of the park encouraging people to be active and engaged in what the park has to offer. More signposted walking and cycling routes with cooperation from land owners."
  • "By listening to the needs of all people working for the National Park i.e. from visitor services workers to rural workers, conservationists and local businesses, and encouraging all to agree a joined up approach."
  • "Consider a small sub charge to enter the national park or to park in regions of the park to balance the tourism and the park. This can help develop real infrastructure for people and therefore will continue to attract tourists in the future."
  • "The park should be managed for the land and residents (animals and humans) first and foremost."
  • "Stop making new areas more accessible,the wilderness feel is lost."
  • "Improve existing paths/ trails while keeping other areas [with] nature prioritised to reduce human interference/ disturbance."
  • Do you agree or disagree with the above contributors? We'd love to hear your thoughts on the future of the Cairngorms National Park. If you haven't already done so, please share your views or share this consultation with your friends and family.

    Posted on 9th July 2021

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications

    The Cairngorms National Park is renowned for its spectacular views... now we need yours!

    In 2017, when we last asked people for their views on the Cairngorms National Park, we weren't familiar with the word ‘Covid-19’ or the concept of ‘lockdown’, and the world was still waking up to the realities of a climate emergency. So much has changed since then – for individuals, for businesses, for communities – so we're currently gathering views on what the future should look like for the National Park.

    From the impact of Covid-19 to Scotland's climate change commitments, a rise in staycations to new housing projects and business ventures, the next five years will have a profound impact on those that live, visit and work in the area. We need your help to shape the future direction of the National Park, to ensure our next Partnership Plan is focused on the issues that really matter.

    Across the summer we want to hear your views of the Park. We will be speaking to as many people as possible, face to face and virtually, visiting communities (when it is safe to do so!), asking questions and hosting online activity. We will be giving everyone the opportunity to tell us what they think, in person, online or with good old fashioned paper and pen.

    As a starting point, we will be asking questions covering these six main themes:

  • People and nature
  • Economic recovery
  • Achieving net zero emissions
  • Local communities
  • Visitors to the Park
  • A Park for everyone
  • Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “To say our lives have changed since the last Park Plan would be a gross understatement. We are only now beginning to get to grips with the effects of the pandemic and new ways of living and working, and that’s before you even consider the profound changes taking place in our natural environment.

    “That’s why it is vital – for this plan more than any in the past – that we listen to the views of everyone who lives, visits and works in this amazing place. We need to gather thoughts and opinions ahead of the formal consultation in the autumn; to get a feel for people’s priorities and shape the kind of questions we should be asking later in the year. I hope that everyone will want to have a say and we will be using many different ways to listen, so that everyone has the opportunity to get involved.”

    Over the next six months we will be collecting views in a variety of ways, but one of the quickest and easiest ways to have your say is to click on the 'Have your say' tab above, where you will find more information on all the themes plus a space to share your thoughts and ideas. Alternatively, you can email cairngormsviews@cairngorms.co.uk, or call +44 (0) 1479 873 535 and ask for a hard copy version of the survey questions.

    Posted on 4th June 2021

    by Olly Davies, Head of Communications