FEASIBILITY STUDY

STONEHAVEN AREA GEOPARK

Prepared by Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham

September 2008 CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

INTRODUCTION 4

Part One – The Geopark Experience

THE BENEFITS OF GEOPARK STATUS 5-7

GEOPARK APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES 8-12

GEOPARK MANAGEMENT 13-17

GEOPARK INTERPRETATION AND PROMOTION 18-23

Part Two – The Case for Stonehaven and area

INTRODUCTION & GEOLOGY OF THE HIGHLAND BOUNDARY FAULT 24-27

DESIGNATIONS AND SITES OF INTEREST 28-32

DEFINING THE GEOPARK BOUNDARIES 33-34

INTERPRETATING AND PROMOTING THE GEOPARK 35-37

INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE AREA 38-39

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 40-41

MANAGEMENT OF THE GEOPARK 42-44

POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF THE GEOPARK 45-46

ESTIMATED COSTS AND POTENTIAL SOURCES OF FUNDING 47-50

KEY POINTS & RECOMMENDATIONS 51-52

Appendices

BENEFITS OF RIGS GROUPS 53

LIST OF PEOPLE CONSULTED 54

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report results from a short-term study, July – mid-September 2008, to assess the feasibility of an application for UNESCO Geopark status for the Stonehaven area, and is funded by Aberdeenshire Council (Kincardine and Mearns), the East Grampian Coastal Partnership and Stonehaven Business Association Tourism Group.

AIMS see also page 4

The Study aims to investigate the possibility of developing an area of north east Scotland, centred on Stonehaven, to the standard required to achieve UNESCO Geopark status, and also to raise awareness of the quality and quantity of geological sites in the area and the potential for geotourism.

WHAT IS A GEOPARK? See also page 5

A Geopark is “a geographical area where geological heritage sites are part of a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.” It includes not only geology but also ecology (organisms’ relations to each other, and the environment in which they live), archaeology, palaeontology (extinct and fossil animals and plants), history, local culture and land use including agriculture – together, often referred to as “earth heritage”.

THE CASE FOR A STONEHAVEN GEOPARK see also pages 33-34, 40-41, 45-46

Consultation has shown that it is possible there may not be geological interest at a high enough level to interest geologists. However, with quality, exciting high-level interpretation, it seems likely that there is more than enough geological, natural, historical and cultural interest in the area to engage both visitors and locals, merit further investigation and certainly further interpretation.

It seems likely that the area – from the south bank of the River Dee estuary at Torry Battery, south along the coast to the cliffs south of Arbroath Harbour, and inland along the Highland Boundary Fault line into the Mearns hinterland and Angus – has sufficient to merit an Geopark application, should there be sufficient community support, which will be vital to success.

There is evidence that a Geopark brings educational benefits for an area and enhances its tourism potential; based on the limited information available, there also an economic benefit for the area.

RECOMMENDATIONS see also pages 51-53

Short term, these include setting attainable goals, to present this report to relevant and potential stakeholders, to hold brainstorming meetings to assess community support and determine the way forward, and to lobby for a further in-depth study to include a development plan for the Geopark.

Medium-term goals are to work with the results of the brainstorming meeting(s), to set up local RIGS groups (see page 53 for details), to determine environmentally-friendly and sustainable means to highlight and mark the line of the Highland Boundary Fault, to assist any in-depth study which may be commissioned, and to set up a group including all stakeholders in a potential Geopark and work with them to guide and shape the development of a Geopark.

Whether or not a Geopark application is submitted, additional interpretation of geology and earth heritage will add to the area’s appeal for visitors and local residents, and create a legacy for future geotourism. ______

Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 3 ______

Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 4 INTRODUCTION

This Report is the result of a short-term study, conducted from July to mid-September 2008, to assess the feasibility of an application for UNESCO Geopark status for the Stonehaven area. It has been funded jointly by the East Grampian Coastal Partnership, Aberdeenshire Council (Kincardine & Mearns) and Stonehaven Business Association Tourism Group, and has been supported by the British Environmental Partnership through a summer placement. All research, consultation and writing have been carried out by Elma McMenemy (tourism consultant) and Robert Needham (BEP placement and recent graduate in Marine & Coastal Resource Management).

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Principal aim: to investigate the possibility of developing an area of north east Scotland, centred on Stonehaven, to the standard required to achieve UNESCO Geopark status.

Secondary aim: to raise awareness of the quality and quantity of geological sites in the area and the potential for geo-tourism

Objectives: • List and quantify, where practical, the benefits of Geopark status • Summarise Geopark application and procedure requirements • Consider UK Geopark management requirements, including examples of good practice • Examine UK Geopark interpretation and promotion methods, including examples of good practice • Present the case, if any, for a Geopark centred on Stonehaven, including: o listing sites of geological, natural and historical interest o information on the Highland Boundary Fault (HBF) in the Stonehaven area, including a map to the highest accuracy available o defining the area of a potential Geopark o suggesting potential management solutions for a potential Geopark o suggesting what might be interpreted and how this might be done o suggesting how a potential Geopark would be promoted o estimating the potential economic impact of a Geopark for the area o estimating the potential costs of establishing a Geopark, and how this might be funded o recommending a way forward

The Report which follows is the result of consultation with a wide variety of people, considerable desk research and on-site research including visits to the two existing Scottish Geoparks (North West Highlands and Lochaber). (See also Appendix for list of people consulted and references)

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 5 PART ONE: THE GEOPARK EXPERIENCE

THE BENEFITS OF GEOPARK STATUS

WHAT IS A GEOPARK?

A Geopark is not restricted to the geology of an area; the perception that it is so restricted misleads and restricts expectations of a Geopark. To allow both a widely encompassing level of interest for visitors and education in a sustainable and protected environment, it is important also to integrate non-geological features, as required by UNESCO to meet Geopark standards. These features include: • Ecology (organisms’ relations to each other, and the environment in which they live) • Archaeology (ancient history and human antiquities) • Palaeontology (extinct and fossil animals and plants) • History • Local culture • Agriculture and land use Together, these may be referred to as “earth heritage”

Geology is the underlying thread which links these diverse subjects, and it is from this that the title Geopark is derived.

Definitions of a Geopark

The following summarise and best describe the purpose of a Geopark:

1 “A ‘Geopark’ is a geographical area where geological heritage sites are part of a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.” (Source: “Guidelines and Criteria for National Geoparks seeking UNESCO’s assistance to join the Global Geoparks Network”. The requirements of this in relation to attaining Geopark status are summarised in this Report.)

2 “European Geoparks are areas with outstanding geology, where there is a clear strategy and ongoing action for conserving earth heritage features and interpreting them to the public.” This is a common definition used by UK Geoparks and used during this study to convey the main point of a Geopark (Source: “North Pennines Geopark Management Report”.)

The aims of a UNESCO Geopark vary according to the specifics of the area. However, they do share common goals for improving conservation, education, integration and socio-economic development within the Geopark boundaries.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 6 ECONOMIC & OTHER BENEFITS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Contact with other UK Geoparks has shown that there is little data available to quantify the benefits of the Geopark in the context of tourism and direct economic benefits to the local community. Even established Geoparks such as the North Pennines have not carried out surveys to understand the local benefits, or perceived local benefits, to the area. This is also the case in other Geoparks, including Lochaber and North West Highlands, the two sites visited during this study.

Only in areas where tourists are ‘bottle-necked’ i.e. have to pass through a specific entrance or pay a mandatory fee, can numbers be calculated and compared. The Marble Arch Caves Geopark in Northern Ireland has collected figures for visitor numbers, which have shown an increase since 1996. Figures available show in 2007 there were 53,280 visitors, an increase of 3% over those of 2006. The real evidence that highlights the benefits of Geopark status is the 30 % increase of visitors between 2001 (when European Geopark Status was achieved) and 2007.

In addition to the increasing visitor numbers to the Marble Arch Caves, the benefit and improvement of the Geopark is shown by its successful application in 2007 to increase its size to 18,000 hectares; a ten-fold increase from the original Park boundary. Currently the Marble Arch Caves Geopark is exploring the possibility of further increasing its size to create a cross-border Geopark including an area of the Republic of Ireland, a clear indication of the perceived benefits the Geopark has brought to the area.

Contact with other Geoparks for this study has shown that the absence of quantifiable figures from UK Geoparks does not reflect a lack of benefits or progress following the status being attained. According to Chris Woodley-Stewart, North Pennines Geopark Director, a Geopark is not intended as a pre-determined destination but rather promotes the area to encourage people to visit. A Geopark improves the overall quality and variety of the experience an area offers, providing an excellent basis for increasing tourism and rural development. Delivering increased tourism is key to a Geopark; tourists are more likely to visit specific areas if they are successfully promoted and accessible. The level of interpretation experienced at specific sites within a Geopark should also increase the level of interest, resulting in longer stays, return visits and word-of-mouth recommendation (the most effective form of promotion), which in turn provides benefits to the local community. In an increasingly competitive tourism marketplace, it is also necessary for each area to continually improve their offering to the visitor merely to retain the existing level of business; attracting new business requires even greater effort and new products.

The North West Highlands Geopark is based within the Sutherland Partnership, a body set up to encourage rural development. The Geopark both represents conservation and education and also acts as a catalyst for increased tourism promotion and attracting funding to the area.

Although no detailed figures are available for the Lochaber Geopark, every Geopark visitor inevitably spends money in the local community and therefore helps to raise the level of revenue generated by the area’s tourism industry.

With two large Geoparks in Scotland, both in the Highland area, there are opportunities for joint (or cross-) promotion and inter-site co-operation, and the North West Highlands Geopark is already working with Lochaber to draw tourists farther north.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 7 Tourism in Lochaber attracts visits from a large number of people, generating 2.745M bed nights and £171M revenue per year (source: HIE Lochaber Tourism Factsheet, from “Volume & Value of tourism in the Highland and Moray area 2004). Given effective cross-promotion, those visitors engaged by the Geopark while in Lochaber will be presented with the proposition of visiting another Highland Geopark. It is therefore reasonable to expect that a large number will be attracted north to the North West Highlands Geopark, if not immediately, then on a future occasion. Such cross-promotion not only raises the profile of individual Geoparks but also offers opportunities to divert visitors away from the accepted tourist honey pots.

Links with other Geoparks can also bring additional benefits. For example, the Marble Arch Caves Geopark is currently working with other European Geoparks to access large-scale European funds. This would be extremely difficult for an individual Geopark to achieve; Geopark status and integration into the European Geoparks Network is what makes this level of funding achievable.

Although still both relatively new, both Highland Geoparks already provide events such as Ranger-led walks and educational benefits to their local communities, with the NW Highlands Geopark particularly active in this respect. These benefits are likely to increase over time, and to inspire a greater interest in, and understanding of, geology and earth heritage among local people and particularly school children and students.

LOCAL COMMUNITY AND VISITOR PERCEPTIONS

The visits to the Lochaber and North West Highlands Geoparks provided an opportunity to collect data first-hand about Geopark awareness and perceptions among local businesses and individuals. This was a challenging task, as most individuals working in the tourism industry in hotels, activity centres, outdoor shops etc were aware of the Geopark but were unable to elaborate on its specific focus or goals. The only people who were able to discuss the Geopark in depth were geologists, Tourist Information Centre staff or individuals who had been directly involved in the project.

Due to time constraints, the data collected is difficult to interpret accurately and so only the numbers and awareness that they were located in a Geopark were analysed.

A more robust study, based on accurate data, would require a much larger, professionally-managed survey, sampling a much larger number of people over a longer timeframe and with direct input from the host Geopark, and would be particularly costly. None of the current Geoparks, even those which are well-established, has undertaken such as survey, and this highlights both the difficulties and potential costs involved.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 8 The charts above highlight the percentage of people surveyed who were aware of the local Geopark and their inclusion within it

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 9 REQUIREMENTS OF GEOPARK STATUS

GEOPARK APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Application for Geopark status requires a number of stages to be completed before making the actual application. It is unlikely that Geopark status would be awarded without each of the following requirements having been met before an official application is made.

Over the last few years a large number of Geoparks have been accepted into the European Geoparks Network (EGN). The application process has therefore been reviewed and has become more intensive, thus ensuring both the high quality of applicants and that the successful Geopark will represent the features within it and indeed the entire Geoparks network in a positive way.

Four main areas are highlighted by UNESCO which must be achieved before an active application can be made.

These four areas are summarised from “Guidelines and Criteria for National Geoparks seeking UNESCO's assistance to join the Global Geoparks Network” (correct as at June 2008) and the publication “Preparation of application dossier for nomination as a European Geopark”. Each of the points highlighted must be known or implemented before an application is made.

1 Definition of the Geopark territory • Proposed name of the Geopark, relevant to its location and context • Location and boundary of the proposed Geopark • Surface area including the population and features within this zone • The organisation and management body which will run the Geopark • A clear understanding of the area

2 Scientific understanding of the proposed Geopark • Definition of the geographical region in which the territory is located • In-depth geological description of the Geopark area • Clear identification and knowledge of geosites present in the area • Details of the focus of these sites, ie scientific, educational or tourist attraction (or a mixture of these) • The current usage of the sites and the pressures that may be upon them • Current status in terms of protection of the sites • Data on the management of these sites • Identification and description of non-geological sites present in the territory that may be linked to the sites of geological interest.

3 Evaluation: Is the area suitable as a Geopark? • Comprehensive analysis of the territory’s potential for the development of Geotourism • Overview of the existing Geo-institution and Geo-activities in the region of the Geopark • Policies for the protection, enhancement and economic development of the geological heritage present in the territory. Existing and future actions • The territory’s interest in joining the European Geoparks Network

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 10 4 General information on the territory • Economic activity within the boundaries of the Geopark and the surrounding area. Knowledge of the main areas of activity within the territory and the organisation(s) responsible for sustainable development policy • Understanding of the current level of designations and protections in the area • What has been put in place, and is planned, to provide protection for the Geopark and sites within it • Existing facilities within the boundary and how they can be used • Plans for improvement or future facilities

SPECIFIC TOPICS IN THE APPLICATION DOSSIER

1 Identification of the area: • Well-defined boundary encompassing all identified areas of interest • Must be large enough to “serve local economic and cultural development” – this is mainly achieved through improved tourism • Consent must be given by any existing designation that falls within, or overlaps with, a proposed Geopark before an application can be made.

2 Scientific description of the area identifying internationally-important geological heritage: • This part of the application procedure must have involvement from geologists with specific knowledge of the area, if not actually carried out by a geologist • Audit by the British Geological Survey (BGS) may also provide a valuable asset, not only for the application process but also for planning and running the Geopark. It would also ensure accurate and credible data and information sources for interpretation and education

3 General information on the area linked with aspects of: • Ecology • Archaeology • Palaeontology • History • Local culture • Agriculture • Climate • Habitats • Human activity This would require widespread co-operation with relevant groups as well as careful management to ensure that each topic is relevant and appropriately interpreted within the Geopark. The use of reports such as the East Grampian Coastal Partnerships “State of the Coast” report would provide detailed information on specific areas and could be used during this stage of development towards a Geopark.

4 Management plan and structure: • A management structure must be introduced before submission of application. This structure should follow a ‘bottom up’ process run by a designated local authority or authorities and include “an adequate management infrastructure, qualified personnel and adequate financial support”

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 11 5 Development of the Geopark: • Once Geopark status is attained, consistent improvement must be maintained to demonstrate that the Geopark is benefiting the area, as well as achieving the goals set out by UNESCO and the management body in charge of the Geopark • Implementation or application of an existing sustainable development policy/strategy to benefit the area and improve tourism • The economic development of the Geopark area is important, not only to allow growth of the area but also to ensure that there is a progression within the area both of activities and of management specific to the Geopark and the wider community • Protection of a dynamic or sensitive area is often due to its anonymity. Education and promotion of an area may lead to both intentional and unintentional damage. As such, measures should be implemented to ensure the protection of these areas so they remain beneficial and sustainable for the area • Providing education for both visitors and locals both aids the development of a Geopark and provides a key link between protecting sites and using them to help develop the local area. The word “education” is used here in its widest sense, ie it not only referring to students and academics but also to the local community and visitors. Information which is easily available and accessible, and the area being accessible to all (within sustainable limits) are also both vital for development, education and conservation. Improving each of these areas will lead to the development and subsequent improvement of the areas within a Geopark

6 Arguments for nomination as a Geopark within the Global Network: • This part of the application can be used to highlight the uniqueness of the features within the Geopark or how the interpretation of the area has been addressed. It also presents an opportunity to put forward opinion and highlight the enthusiasm and drive behind the project

7 Potential funding options: • In addition to providing an actual management structure, a potential Geopark must demonstrate it has identified and sought funding to: o improve the sustainable development of the area o provide a management structure o support those individuals and groups involved within the Geopark

It is extremely important that throughout the Geopark application and implementation process, there must be strong local involvement. The following best describes this:

“Success can only be achieved through strong local involvement. The initiative to create a Geopark must therefore come from local communities/authorities with a strong commitment to developing and implementing a management plan which meets the economic needs of the local population whilst protecting the landscape in which they live.” (Source: “Guidelines and Criteria for National Geoparks seeking UNESCO's assistance to join the Global Geoparks Network” (June 2008)

EVALUATION OF AN APPLICATION & PROPOSED GEOPARK

Following a Geopark application to UNESCO, the proposed area is assessed by a group of assessors from UNESCO and the EGN. The suitability of the proposed area is evaluated by both a desktop study and a field evaluation mission; this takes a minimum of 6 months. There is then additional evaluation by an independent Geopark Bureau. Contact with current UK Geoparks indicates that the field evaluation presents the most important stage of the procedure. Assessors look for quality over quantity and this informs their final decision.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 12 Successful applicants are contacted by UNESCO and receive an official letter and certificate. Unsuccessful applications are informed by letter and, although no official feedback is given, the reasons for failure are communicated to the Geopark.

PERIODICAL REVIEW

Once an area has achieved Geopark Status and has been accepted into the European Geopark Network, it must undergo a review within 4 years, with further reviews every 4 years. The Geopark is required to maintain the standards and practices of a Geopark; if these criteria are not met then a recommended list of improvements is provided by UNESCO, to be completed within a 2-year timeframe in order to regain Geopark level. Similar to the initial evaluation, a periodical review depends on a desk study and on-site evaluation. The evaluation forms and desk study are a mandatory part of re-assessment; however the final decision rests upon the on-site evaluation.

It is essential for each Geopark to progress and improve, and there is a requirement for regular updates to UNESCO regarding “special events and promotion through appropriate publicity and websites”.

APPLICATION EXPERIENCE

North West Highlands Geopark The application experience of this Geopark is not relevant to current UNESCO Geopark requirements due to drastic changes in application requirements since 2004. The development of the Geopark’s management structure and the appointment of two full-time members of staff were in response to the 2007 re-evaluation and illustrate the change in UNESCO requirements. Both Officers have been extremely helpful during this study and are happy to provide advice during any future application.

Lochaber Geopark Preparation for the UNESCO Geopark application started at the end of 2004. At that time there were around 60 interested individuals of whom 12 made up the committee for the first application; by 2007 only four people from the initial 60 were left and still directly involved in creating and pushing through the successful application.

Lochaber’s first application was turned down due to a lack of suitable management structure to support and run the Geopark, which clearly demonstrates the importance of a working management structure being in place before an active application is made.

Lochaber representatives indicated that before and during the application process it is not possible to create and represent the area as a Geopark, as use of the title UNESCO Geopark is not permitted until the application is confirmed as successful. There is also an additional difficulty in naming or creating an identity for the Geopark until success is confirmed. This also has knock-on effects for the creation of a unified, recognised body for the potential Geopark and makes setting up a Geopark management structure even harder. It is possible that this may perhaps be overcome by ensuring that any name does not falsely represent the area’s status but reflects the ambition to achieve UNESCO Geopark status.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 13 North Pennines North Pennines AONB achieved Geopark status in 2003; since then the guidelines and requirements for application have changed greatly. As a result, the North Pennines experience differs greatly from, and is not specifically relevant to, what is required by the 2008 guidelines. However, the North Pennines management team has helped identify a number of common mistakes and important lessons to be considered during a Geopark application: • Over-reliance on volunteers • The entire Geopark/management structure relies on one or two people • No appropriate support from other organisations involved in the area; communication is key • Over-reliance on one medium, ie leaflets to communicate the majority of information • Underestimating the difficulty of interpreting the geology in an informative, and more importantly, a fun and engaging way • Overly-zealous applications, applying too early or underestimating the time required for a successful application • Not having broad enough programmes focusing on education and interpretation

NOTES ON THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE

An application can be submitted at any time of year.

No more than two active Geopark applications can be submitted from any one country at one time; the relevant country is the UK, rather than Scotland. Currently the UK has two applications under preparation for Shetland and Anglesey; other sites may also be considering Geopark status so this must be taken into account if or when an application is made. Contact with the secretary of the EGN will provide information on current and planned applications within the UK.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 14 GEOPARK MANAGEMENT

Examples of good practice have been sought through visiting and contacting other UK Geoparks, and limited information sourced from the individual websites of other European Geoparks.

A Steering Group or similar body, comprising interested organisations and parties to oversee the running of the Geopark, is common to most Geoparks. However it is possible also to have a group with a wider base of experienced organisations which can commit to involvement in delivering the aims and overseeing direction of the Geopark.

Many Geoparks in England have a ‘Partnership Agreement’ which uses the knowledge and expertise of interested organisations to define the current status of the Geopark as well as to provide help and to focus on their specialist areas. The Partnership also allows the management to make effective and informed decisions about the running of and future planning for the area. It is not possible to have a Partnership Agreement in Scotland due to differences in Scots and English Law, although the Lochaber organisation has instituted a similar agreement (see under Lochaber below).

With the exception of the North Pennines, no UK Geopark has a well-resourced management and staffing structure, and most use personnel available through other organisations. In both the existing Scottish Geoparks, the Council Countryside Ranger Service plays an important role, due to its experience and wide-ranging knowledge and also the fact it is already in place, with both funding and insurance.

NORTH WEST HIGHLANDS GEOPARK

In 2004, the North West Highlands Geopark became the first in Scotland to attain Geopark status. This was achieved in just 18 months due to considerable help from the British Geological Survey and the Sutherland Partnership. However, application requirements were also less stringent in 2004, and a full management structure was not at that time required to be in place for an application to succeed.

Management Structure The North West Highlands Geopark management structure is based within the Sutherland Partnership. This is a not-for-profit community development company based in Lairg and registered as a private limited company. It was initially set up to improve the socio-economic situation of rural Sutherland, and acts as a parent body for the Geopark.

The Sutherland Partnership comprises a large number of organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors which provided expertise and maintained momentum during the Geopark application.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 15 The Geopark management structure includes a number of groups which provide expertise and ensure the Geopark is on-track. These include a Steering Group which “oversees the running of NWH Geopark”. The following are represented on the Steering Group: • The British Geological Survey • The Crofters’ Commission • The Highland Council • Scottish Natural Heritage • Sutherland Partnership • VisitScotland

In addition, all five community councils from the Geopark area take an active part and also, to ensure the input of all involved in the socio-economic development area, a stakeholder group of 35 representatives also helps focus the Geopark, highlighting what is needed to benefit the local area.

There are two full-time Geopark Officers based in permanent offices at Lochinver. These are paid, not voluntary, posts instigated in 2008 following the 2007 NWH Geopark re-evaluation when a ‘yellow card’ was issued as a result of there being only a part-time Geopark officer. This highlights both the importance of a properly-managed Geopark as well as the need for a minimum of one full-time member of staff to act as Geopark Officer.

Funding Current funding for the North West Highlands is from: • The Highland Council, • Highlands and Islands Enterprise • Scottish Natural Heritage • The Scottish Government

From 2004 to 2007 the Geopark also received European funding from the EU LEADER+ Programme. In addition to cash funds, in-kind assistance has great greatly contributed to the NWH Geopark and came/comes from organisations including: • The British Geological Survey • The Highland Council, both through its Countryside Ranger Service and in other ways • Scottish Natural Heritage • VisitScotland These organisations are all involved in the Steering Group; this highlights the importance of engaging relevant organisations at an early stage, and maintaining communication to allow development of mutually-beneficial relationships.

LOCHABER GEOPARK

Management Structure Conversely, the Lochaber Geopark had to create an organisation to run the Geopark. This was instituted following the first community meeting where it was decided start an “unincorporated association”. From this basis Lochaber then applied to become a registered charity through the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR); the application took several months to be accepted.

Geopark management comprises a group of directors; requirements dictate that there must be a minimum of five and a maximum of 20, Lochaber currently (August 2008) has six named directors.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 16 Similarly to North West Highlands Geopark, Lochaber has a Steering Group involving multiple organisations. The Steering Group comprises representatives from organisations including: • The British Geological Survey (BGS) • Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) • National Trust for Scotland (NTS) • The Highland Council • Forestry Commission (FC) • Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE) • VisitScotland

As mentioned above, it is not possible to have a Partnership Agreement in Scotland but Lochaber Geopark has in place a ‘Memorandum of Agreement’ which is very similar. This Memorandum of Agreement encompasses organisations which have an interest and involvement in the Geopark and there are 12 signatories to the Memorandum. These include five additional organisations not mentioned above: • The John Muir Trust • Lochaber College • The Nevis Partnership • The Outdoor Capital consortium • Lochaber Community Council

The Lochaber Geopark management structure was implemented with assistance from Chris Woodley- Stewart, Director of North Pennines AONB Geopark. His experience of operating a robustly-funded and well-managed Geopark as well as his expertise within the European Geoparks Network (EGN) helped Lochaber undertake the difficult task of starting a Geopark management structure from scratch.

Of the six directors, only the Lochaber Geopark Project Officer, currently Keith Hoole, has a paid position. He is the only Director who works full time for the Geopark and also has access to office space. The other Directors have voluntary positions; these are required due to the charitable management structure of the Geopark which requires a minimum of five directors.

Changes to the application process over the last two years and the increased requirements to join the EGN now result in a long and involved process to achieve UNESCO Geopark status. The process has been made much more difficult for an area with neither an existing parent organisation nor previous designation, due to the requirement for a good management structure to be in place prior to application. However, Lochaber has shown that it is possible to attain Geopark status by creating a charitable organisation to act as the managing body. This method of developing a management organisation can raise certain issues, for example Lochaber has experienced problems in applying for European INTERREG funding due to the lack of a public body to receive the funds. In addition, a charitable body does not have Directors’ Liability Insurance which could also prove problematic when applying for large-scale European funding.

Funding Funding for the Lochaber Geopark has been received from organisations including: • The Highland Council • Heritage Lottery Fund • Scottish Natural Heritage • The Robertson Trust • LEADER • Highlands & Island Enterprise

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 17 Funding is available both as cash and in-kind, for example through The Highland Council providing offices for Lochaber Geopark rather than cash funds.

Lochaber Geopark has budgets for both administration and activities, which allow clearer direction and management of the funds available. The activities budget is almost double the administrative budget; this allows reasonable funds for events and Geopark development. The administrative budget covers the Geopark Project Officer’s salary. Specific figures are not currently available for Lochaber Geopark, however an approximate budget figure is £180,000 over three years.

Lochaber will be applying for funding in the future through the Scottish Rural Development Programme, a government project to improve and integrate rural areas of Scotland. This provides an excellent opportunity for Scottish Geoparks to apply for funding and support from the Scottish Government to achieve the shared goals of improving both the area for local communities and also the region as a whole.

NORTH PENNINES AONB GEOPARK

Management structure North Pennines is a well-established Geopark with a combination of a strong management structure and a large group of directly-involved staff, specialising in and focusing on the different areas and interests within the Geopark. Staff include those focusing on tourism, interpretation, access to the countryside and conservation as well as an on-site geologist. This wide range of personnel reduces the risk of only one individual being responsible and able to run the Geopark.

The North Pennines Geopark management is based within a large partnership, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership. Although the AONB designation does not exist in Scotland, in many ways its administration and staffing are similar to the National Park Authorities in Scotland. As with the Sutherland Partnership and North West Highlands, this parent organisation allowed a much faster progression to a suitable management structure for the Geopark. In 2007 the North Pennines AONB Geopark showed a budget of over £800,000. This level of organisation and funding allows for the provision of funding for smaller projects which fit with the Geopark vision, for example those undertaken by a local educational charity and/or local countryside project. This approach also allows North Pennines to help improve the area by spreading the funding and also benefiting from those projects with objectives which parallel those of the Geopark. The ability to offer such grant funding to other organisations increases support across the area and helps draw down additional funds from a wider variety of sources.

The AONB partnership provides both direction for the Geopark and also allows for well-resourced management to oversee the status and position of the Geopark with good staff support.

In both the North Pennines and North West Highlands, a larger body providing management and support has proved to be extremely beneficial. However, Chris Woodley-Stewart of the North Pennines Geopark believes that a community-based structure could work in areas smaller than the North Pennines, which is approx 2000 sq km; however such a management structure may not have such secure funding and would still require at least one person in paid employment to drive the Geopark forward.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 18 Staffing This appears to be the best-resourced of all the UK Geoparks, particularly with regard to management and staffing, and therefore has the ability to run its own events without reliance on Council or other Countryside Ranger Services, ie it does not rely on other groups to provide education and on-the-ground interaction with tourists and locals. Neither does it put its name to events which do not agree with the Geopark message or which may give negative experiences to individuals due to lack of proper support and knowledge. All Geopark events are run by Geopark staff or by directly associated partners of the Geopark, thus ensuring high quality events with appropriate booking systems, insurance and first aid cover. This also ensures good events coverage across the Geopark area and greatly improves both education and conservation within the area; in turn this leads to more events and increased tourism within the area.

OTHER EUROPEAN GEOPARKS

Most European Geoparks, particularly in France and Spain, also appear to be managed by larger organisations, for example Culture or Nature Parks. One exception is the very new Gea Norvegica Geopark in Telemark/Vestfold, Norway. Here the eight district councils and two regional councils have set up an “inter-council company” wholly owned by them. The Company Board comprises seven Directors, and the equivalent of our Geoparks’ Steering Groups has 12 “politically elected” members. The staff comprises a Geopark Manager, an Ecologist, a Geologist and an accountant, with back-up admin staff.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 19 INTERPRETATION OF GEOLOGY & PROMOTION OF GEOPARKS

INTERPRETATION OF GEOLOGY IN UK GEOPARKS

As previously stated, a Geopark must contain outstanding geology and allow conservation, education and interpretation of the features of interest. These elements may be delivered in a variety of ways including fixed, on-site interpretative boards, printed leaflets, brochures and books, and events. Some of the methods used by UK Geoparks include:

Interpretation Boards Interpretation boards are a widely used method of providing visual and textual information cost- effectively and in all weather conditions. Their use is widespread in many Geoparks as they can be used to maximise relevant information, made available in an easily understood and visually appealing way. Several features can be used to enhance standard interpretation boards: • Shaped: Either 2-D representing the coastline or 3-D representing the topography, with suitable use of illustrations, cartoons, photos and graphics to minimise text and highlight the most important facts and features • Interactive: although not ideal for all outdoor locations, a degree of interactivity (mechanical rather than computer-dependent) can be used to engage younger children and adults, including those with learning difficulties. A good example is to be found in the North West Highlands Geopark, where by turning a handle, the continents move across the Earth illustrating what happened millions of years ago • Progressive: linking of interpretation boards. This allows for a natural progression of information to retain attention over a longer period than an individual board. This works both within a site and between multiple sites • Material used is important; in some locations it may be appropriate to use carved or sandblasted stone to convey simple messages, in others where more detail is required, protection may be the most important consideration to ensure sustainability. Here, polycarbonate construction, as used by the Aberdeen City Ranger Service, allows for a high degree of protection from colour fade, adverse weather conditions, bird mess and vandalism. Additionally, mounting the board in a stone plinth, with no space beneath, prevents both rubbish build-up and fire-setting beneath it

Viewpoints Strategically placed viewpoints can be used to great effect on both roads and walks/cycle ways to encourage people to stop and enjoy the surrounding scenery or focus attention on specific points.

Parking areas are widely used on roads in both the North West Highlands and Lochaber Geoparks; these help maintain traffic flow on the roads by giving visitors and other interested parties the opportunity to pull over. This provides an additional opportunity for explanation and interpretation of the landscape.

Use of viewpoints along paths and walkways can provide a structure to the walk, and when linked with other methods of interpretation, provide educational value and can inspire and maintain a keen level of interest. One recent European Geopark, Geoparque de Sobrarbe in Spain, features off-road cycle routes and walking paths with informative viewpoint interpretation boards interpreting geology and local architecture.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 20 Tourist Information and Visitor Centres Tourist Information Centres (TICs) provide a hub for information and literature on local, regional and national points of interest. They offer excellent opportunities to promote events, geosites and other areas of interest within the Geopark area, and may also provide exhibition space for short- or long- term displays. In addition, ensuring TIC and relevant Visitor Centre staff are well-informed about the Geopark and its events will result in knowledgeable word-of-mouth referrals.

Events: Geoparks in the UK and Ireland run a large number of widely varied events to provide education/ interpretation of the Geopark area and to promote the Geopark. These events do not focus only on geology, and indeed many have little specific reference to the geology of the area; in these cases they act to retain visitors’ interest in the area as well as highlighting other aspects of the Geopark such as biodiversity, conservation and local heritage.

ENGLISH RIVIERA GEOPARK The English Riviera runs a wide range of events from family-orientated activities to scientific lectures; a wide spectrum of information is available dependent on level, interest and ability. Linking into this, a personal tour can be organised around any area or aspect of the park. Between January 20th 2008 and June 1st 2008, the Geopark offered 47 events. Most are free or have a basic charge of no more than £3.

Events include: Walks & tours - Scenic and coastal walks focusing on different aspects of the area Hands-on activities – Rock and fossil hunts (in a sustainable manner) Sheep shearing Dry stone walling courses Wild life – Dawn chorus bird watching Sea bird walks Bat watching Other - Astronomy Geopark Kids Academic - Pre-war shipping Seismic activity Sampling the oceanic crust

In addition, the website provides links to other event calendars for activities within the Geopark, including: The Kent Cavern, Countryside Trust and Torquay Museum.

COPPER COAST GEOPARK The Copper Coast in Ireland held a number of walks during ‘Heritage Week’ between the 24th and 31st August 2008. Each walk involved a different aspect of the Geopark, with trips focusing around topics such as local history, geology, wildlife and conservation. Focusing a larger number of events into a specific time period increases the promotional potential but also increases the likely number of people attending events.

Many Copper Coast Geopark events relate to the copper mine from which the park derives its name. The mines in the area not only serve to illustrate the geology but also are the feature which directly relates the geology to local heritage and the development of the area.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 21 Involving school children also helps to raise awareness and improve education. One long-running Geopark event is a photography competition for children aged 11-16; this encourages interest in local features through three categories: landscape, nature and geology. Prizes of digital cameras and photography workshops give local and tourist children an incentive; the cost of entry is €10.

The Copper Coast Geopark also features links with related groups and organisations. They highlight that “2008 has been proclaimed by the UN General Assembly as the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE)” and integrate this with the information available on their website. In addition they show strong links with the Geological Survey of Ireland; this link to the regional Geological Survey group can be seen at almost all Geoparks.

NORTH PENNINES AONB GEOPARK The North Pennines Geopark runs a number of large events and festivals to build up interest and promote various aspects of the Geopark. These include the Northern Rocks Festival focusing on the geology and landscape of the AONB area and linking with other large festivals such as ‘Flora of the Fells’ which extends outwith the Geopark and incorporates over 120 events during the summer.

OTHER EUORPEAN GEOPARKS Many events promoted through European Geoparks’ individual websites are also targeted at the public, although many also list serious academic symposia and conferences, indicating that Geopark status may provide an additional opportunity to attract specific professional meetings and events. The Geoparc de Haute Provence in France features an “Earth Festival” with spectacular inflatables and processions. The very new Norwegian Gea Norvegica is divided into 8 “geopark localities”, one of which was recently officially opened, with a full day of events fitted between the arrival of the morning ferry and departure in the late afternoon, featuring “colourful guiding and songs” on the ferry, unveiling interpretation boards, quizzes, puzzles, performances by local schoolchildren and demonstrations of geological time and river movements – “make your own river”! Other events in this Geopark include guided walks to the local mine, a tour of an Iron Age Farm and tours of the local cultural (Ibsen) museum.

EUROPEAN GEOPARK WEEK This is common to most, if not all, Geoparks in the European Geoparks Network (EGN). In 2008 the ‘week’ ran from 26th May to 7th June; during this time Geoparks concentrate the number of events offered, highlighting the Geopark and drawing in visitors and other interested parties early in the summer. Although events are run all year round by Geoparks, European Geopark Week presents an opportunity to push the boundaries and promote the Geopark on a Regional level at a time when accommodation is more readily available for visitors and locals may be drawn in and become repeat Geopark visitors.

EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE

Geotrail Leaflets A keystone of the literature easily available within the Lochaber Geopark is focused on eight leaflets providing basic geological information and linked material on different areas within the Geopark (Ardnamurchan, Glen Coe, Glen Nevis, Glen Roy, Loch Leven, Morven, Road to the Isles, Strontian and The Small Isles). Each Geotrail highlights six sites of geological interest within an area; these are easily accessible from parking points identified in the leaflet. Some involve short walks but these are classed as ‘all access’ walks allowing everyone to be involved.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 22 The Geotrails not only increase knowledge of the geology of specific areas but are easily integrated into specific car journeys for individuals passing through, with information designed to allow an individual to visit and identify the sites. However visiting is not absolutely necessary; the way the information is presented promotes a better understanding from text, photographs and an artist’s impression of the topography illustrating the trails through the area.

Lochaber Tourist Information and Visitor Centres The Tourist Information Centre in Fort William stocks copies of each of the Geotrail leaflets at 35p a copy. These were easy to locate and were displayed at head height. Other than this, little specific information is available for the Geopark and only some members of staff know what a Geopark is and can elaborate.

The large Glen Coe Visitor Centre, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, is a good example of a custom-built centre for a specific area. Although there is an entry charge for the Centre itself, it provides excellent parking in a very scenic area, has good links to local walks allowing tourists to both learn and explore the area, and also has an excellent café and gift shop. The Centre has a 3-D map illustrating the topography of the surrounding landscape and naming the peaks and valleys, and a telescope is available to view the area, with a commentary on what can be seen from that specific point.

Ranger-led Walks Two points of great interest within the North West Highlands Geopark are Knockan Crag and ‘The Bone Caves’. These two areas of both geological and historical interest are regular focal points for the Highland Council Rangers. By providing an interactive and knowledgeable source to lead and direct walks a lot of information is conveyed in an interesting and informative manner for both locals and visitors.

As a direct result of the Geopark, the Highland Council Rangers have improved their specific knowledge of the geology both of these areas and that of the surrounding landscape. This has been achieved by a two-fold approach: providing literature and books to increase the Rangers’ knowledge base; and involving a local geologist who can provide accurate and informative interpretation for both tourists and the Rangers.

Having both a Ranger and a geologist on-site not only improves the knowledge base but, through the Ranger Service, provides the necessary insurance for group walks; individual geologists may not have this. These geological walks could not go ahead without the Rangers’ input, which proves beneficial on multiple levels allowing both visitors and the Geopark to benefit.

The Assynt guide The Assynt Guide is a comprehensive guide book available in multiple locations throughout the Geopark. It provides detailed information about the geology, walks and geosites within the Assynt area of the NWH Geopark, contains over fifty pages and includes a separate and simplified geological map illustrating the walks and points of interest in the area. The Assynt Guide was created in conjunction with the British Geological Survey with funding from BP (British Petroleum) and is the best single guide created for a Geopark in the UK. The guide was published in 2004 and retails at £12; it is the best-selling BGS publication to date.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 23 An example of the level of detail provided by the Assynt guide.

The Link to Gaelic Both the North West Highlands and Lochaber feature links to Scots Gaelic, the local language of the North and West Highlands and Hebrides. The Gaelic is used in different ways but all help provide a further level of interest for visitors as it is now only spoken by a small number of people. Fort William Tourist Information Centre provides maps of the local area entirely in Gaelic with a key to allow people to translate. In keeping with The Highland Council policy, North West Highlands Geopark uses the language in a similar way by having the English with Gaelic translation on the entry and exit signs to the park. This links well with the use of the NWH Geopark logo and the signs are in place on every road in and out of the Geopark allowing everyone to see the logo, and be aware of the Geopark “brand” which also features on posters, leaflets and interpretation boards.

North West Highlands Geopark boundary sign

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 24 The North West Highlands is one of the few Geoparks to have signage on all incoming roads to the area. Although road signposting is particularly complex and frequently costly, these signs help build the identity of the area and promote the “brand”, ie creating an image and “feel” of an integrated area.

All the examples above illustrate some of the work done by Scottish Geoparks to achieve and maintain Geopark status.

Dealing with vandalism and other problems for outdoor interpretation Vandalism is not a problem in the North West Highlands Geopark due to the remote location of many of the sites. Most locations are on, or near, main roads or accessible only by walking. Implementing fixed site interpretation boards in more built-up areas could provide a target for vandals; this would not only detract from the aesthetic of the site but could prove very costly.

Aberdeen City Ranger Service has implemented a number of interpretation points and signs that can be considered vandal-proof. The idea of ‘designing out vandalism’ has proven very successful, by using sturdy stone bases to house interpretation boards and so reduce potential litter accumulation and fire-raising. Materials such as polycarbonate, rather than laminate, also increases the resilience and life span of interpretation sites against vandalism, birds and the elements.

PROMOTION OF GEOPARKS

Most Geopark promotion, both in the UK and throughout Europe, relies on websites and printed material, which may also be available for download from the individual Geopark’s website. Some better-resourced Geoparks also have advertising budgets, which often appear to be linked to another designation (ie the advertisements which appear feature the Geopark as a small part of a larger attraction or destination such as an AONB, or National, Nature or Culture Park.)

On many websites too, the Geopark may appear “lost” within a much larger website; this is particularly true of some French, Italian, Greek and Spanish Geoparks, including those in Southern Spain, where the link from the EGN website is merely to general pages of the environmental website of the provincial government of Andalucía.

Indeed the individual UK Geoparks are mostly excellent examples of good practice; although the Marble Arch Caves website is part of the Fermanagh District Council site, the link is direct to the relevant pages and the Geopark’s identity comes across well. The North West Highlands site is lively with much to draw in locals, casual surfers and geologists on its home page, and the Abberley and Malvern Hills and Fforest Fawr sites are also good examples, with the latter having a distinct presence within the Brecon Beacons website. The Lochaber site is also lively and interesting, although, disappointingly, there is nothing about this Geopark on the EGN website – an opportunity missed. The Irish Copper Coast Geopark site is also excellent, with an unexpected feature – a genealogy section, with mining community information and lists of local names. Even the new Gea Norvegica Geopark has a simple informative website, although clearly only targeted at the local market meantime, with all text in Norwegian only. Indeed, most individual websites are only in the local language, although some also offer the main European languages as well, and some have clearly received INTERREG funding for this. See: www.marblearchcaves.net www.northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk www.geopark.org.uk (Abberley & Malvern Hills) www.breconbeacons.org/content/geopark www.lochabergeopark.org.uk www.marblearchcaves.net

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 25 www.coppercpastgeopark.com

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 26 PART TWO: THE CASE FOR A GEOPARK IN THE STONEHAVEN AREA

It has been said that almost any part of Scotland could apply for Geopark status, such is the geological nature of the country. However, the real difference is the quantity and, more importantly, the quality of the interpretation and also the management of the area of any proposed Geopark.

The area must, however, display features not seen on other European and world-wide Geoparks; the eastern part of the Highland Boundary Fault (HBF) presents an ideal area of interesting geology where every aspect of the area is related and shaped by the local geology features. Specifically, the coast north and south of the HBF and inland of it include sites of national and international geological importance.

It should be noted that academic geologists are sceptical about whether Stonehaven and the HBF area has sufficient geological interest to qualify for Geopark status. However, there are other opinions; a well-respected local geologist, Peter Craig, who frequently interprets the area’s geology for non-geologists in an entertaining and engaging way, describes the Stonehaven area as “a geological honey pot”.

Local press coverage of the desire to mark the HBF, and indeed of the plans for this report, have resulted in considerable local interest from enthusiasts. This gives and early indication of potential future support, even before any real activity has started; given the requirement for local community involvement in any future Geopark activity and application, this response is seen as being very positive.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 27 THE GEOLOGY OF THE HIGHLAND BOUNDARY FAULT

The geology of Scotland tells a complex story spanning almost 3000 million years. Over this period seismic, tectonic and glacial forces have shaped the landscape into what can be seen today. One of the most notable features of Scottish geology is the Highland Boundary Fault (HBF). This fault extends across Scotland from Stonehaven on the East coast through to Helensburgh on the West coast of the Scottish mainland. This feature spanning Scotland marks the sharp transition from the Lowlands, between 416 and 300 million years old, to the Highlands, noted as 490 million years old or older. The HBF marks a clear topographic change over a very short distance; the existence of the change is due to the Caledonian orogeny, a ‘mountain building event’ when the Iapetus Ocean closed. During this time there was world-wide geological upheaval and evidence of the Iapetus closure can be seen across Ireland and Norway.

“It is all about the death of an ancient ocean as the continents surrounding it came together in a violent collision about four hundred million years ago. Uniquely, the rocks in the immediate vicinity of Stonehaven provide dramatic evidence for the main characters in this geological drama which, incidentally, shaped so much of the physical foundations of the entire northern half of Britain. I can't think of any other location where the story is so clearly told in such a spatially limited series of outcrops. Even on a global scale, there can't be many locations where this oft repeated geological phenomenon can be so clearly demonstrated.” Peter Craig

The HBF at Garron Point viewed from the sea. The rocks of the HBC The quote above gives an indication of how area clearly visible but can be difficult to identify due to erosion excellent interpretation can bring the HBF “story” alive.

The Fault Zone separates Devonian Old Red Sandstone to the south and Dalradian metamorphic rocks, known collectively as the Southern Highland Group, to the north. Old Red Sandstone is well known for the collection of fossils, particularly of fish and plant life. Fossils have been found extensively around the Stonehaven area as well as in numerous inland quarries in Angus. Of particular note is the world’s earliest air-breathing creature, Pneumodesmus newmani, which was found in 2004 in the sandstone on Cowie foreshore in Stonehaven Bay. The estimated age of this millipede is 428 million years old, which represents a very important paleontological discovery.

It should also be noted that the HBF has no clear demarcation line due to the sandwiching effect of different rock types between the Highlands and Lowlands. This layering effect is known as the Highland Border Complex (HBC) and represents a wide range of rock types resulting from erosion, compression and uplift between the two larger plains of the Highlands and Lowlands. At Garron Point and crossing Craigeven Bay, a band of carbonated serpentine rock follows the HBF; this rock is rare in the UK but due to the high energy action of the sea it is difficult to distinguish from the surrounding

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 28 rock types. It must also be noted that along much of its length the rocks of the HBF are not visible from the surface due to coverage by soils, woodland and farmland.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 29 The British Geological Survey identifies this area at a scale of 1:10,000; this information can be accessed on the Geological map of Stonehaven, sheet 67. Many other geological maps mark the route of the HBF across Scotland. Identifying an absolute, and correct, line is very difficult, largely due to the complex geology which makes up the Highland Border Complex. It is therefore very difficult to identify a specific fault line for the Highland Boundary. In addition to this the resolution of available maps, in this case Geographical Information System (GIS) data, restricts the level of accuracy. The map below uses a 1:250,000 scale and as such cannot be considered accurate enough to correctly mark the HBF on the ground. The data to do this in a GIS is available from BGS but is very costly. The stand-alone licence fee is £300 per annum.

SITES OF GEOLOGICAL INTEREST IN THE WIDER STONEHAVEN AREA Note: the “wider Stonehaven area” includes the coast north and south of the HBF and the inland area (ie the area shown above as the suggested Geopark area)

There are multiple sites of high geological interest in the area of the HBF and Stonehaven, including the Old Red Sandstone, pillow larvas and fossils/fish faunas of the Stonehaven coast, the conglomerate rock at Dunnottar and Fowlsheugh, the volcanic formations at Crawton and, to north and south, caves, stacks, arches, wave-cut platforms and landslips.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 30 To the north, on the southern outskirts of Aberdeen City, are key sites, including the coast near Cove Bay, which is internationally important for the formation, occurrence and relationships of metamorphosed rock, and Nigg Bay, important for the interpretation of glacial history and ice movements in North East Scotland.

To the south are raised beaches, shore platforms, sand dunes and raised shorelines at Milton Ness, St Cyrus, Montrose Bay and Lunan Bay, red sandstone cliffs and the “unconformity” near Arbroath/ Auchmithie. Inland, the HBF is hidden and the transition from Lowlands to Highlands is only visible in the topography. However, some inland areas do allow the visibility of rocks and outcrops such as Drumtochty Glen and the ‘rocks of solitude’ near Edzell. Also inland and south of the HBF are further fossiliferous sites at Tillywhandland and Turin Hill Quarries, glacial deposits and outwash near Forfar and the dramatic topography of the Angus Glens: Clova, Prosen and Esk.

Throughout the area, there are many Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), designated for their geological as well as biological importance. As there is no current geology-specific designation, many geological sites can only be designated as SSSIs. The number of geology-specific SSSIs indicates that important geology is present but that interpretation, especially to the level required for Geopark status, is not available. One method of improving the number and quality of geological designations in the area could be achieved by setting up one or more Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) group(s) for the area; there is already an active RIGS group in the Arbroath area. This would help provide education and protection for a Geopark as well as providing a stepping stone towards Geopark status both by providing interpretation and by demonstrating local community involvement. The benefits of RIGS groups are given below (page 53).

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 31 DESIGNATIONS AND SITES OF INTEREST

DESIGNATIONS IN ABERDEEN CITY, ABERDEENSHIRE AND ANGUS

Designation Number of sites Number of sites Number of sites Aberdeen City Aberdeenshire Angus Biogenic Reserve 2 Candidate for Special Area of Conservation 1 Country Park 4 3 Gardens and Designated Landscapes 33 12 Local Nature Reserve 4 2 1 National Nature Reserve 6 1 National Scenic Area 1 RAMSAR site 4 3 Site of Special Scientific Interest 3 82 34 Special Area of Conservation 18 3 Special Protection Area 10 4

NATURAL FEATURES OF INTEREST IN THE WIDER STONEHAVEN AREA Note: this is just a selection of natural environmental features expected to be of interest to visitors and locals. Aberdeen City Aberdeenshire Angus

Nigg Bay & River Dee estuary St Cyrus National Nature Reserve Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre (viewpoint for dolphins, porpoises (SNH) (SWT) & whales)

Balnagask – Cove coast District Fowlsheugh RSPB Reserve Rescobie/Balgavies Loch Nature Wildlife Site Reserve

Loch Insh Countryside Stonehaven Bay (viewpoint for Nature Trail & Reserve at Interpretation Centre dolphins, porpoises & whales) Dickmont’s Den

Loirston Country Park St Cyrus (parascending/kite Crombie Country Park surfing)

Girdleness (viewpoint) Dunnottar Woods (walks) Forfar Loch Country Park

Fittie (surfing) Stonehaven Harbour – Dunnottar Loch of Kinnordy Nature Reserve coastal path

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 32 Doonies Farm (rare breeds) Inverberive – Johnshaven Coastal Lunan Bay (beach/surfing) path

Drumtochty & Fetteresso Forests (walks, mountain bike trails)

Bervie Braes & Cowie viewpoints, Stonehaven

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 33 HISTORICAL & CULTURAL FEATURES OF INTEREST IN THE WIDER STONEHAVEN AREA Note: this is just a selection of historic and pre-historic attractions many of which are closely linked with the area’s geology. All would be expected to be of interest to visitors and locals.

Aberdeen City Aberdeenshire Angus

Tullos Hill Round Cairns Capo Long Barrow (neolithic Brown & White Cathertun hillforts (4,000 yrs old) monument) Inglimaldie, Luthermuir Finavon Hillfort

Aberdeen Harbour Gourdon Long Cairn (5-6,000 yrs old) Airlie Souterrain

St Fittick’s Church (ruin) Cairn o’ Mount Round Cairn (4,000 yrs Iron Age & Pictish settlements, Glen Esk old)

Old Bridge of Dee Raedykes Ring Cairns (4-5,000 yr old) Aberlemno Pictish Stones

Girdleness Lighthouse Raedykes Roman Camp, Stonehaven Arbroath Abbey (ruin) & Abbot’s House

Torry Battery (ruin) Arbuthnott Church Restenneth Priory

St Ciaran’s Church, Fetteresso (ruin) Brechin Cathedral Round Tower & carved stones St Mary’s Chapel, Cowie (ruin)

Dunnottar Castle (ruin) Glamis Castle; Glamis Pictish Stones

Arbuthnott House (not normally open to St Vigeans Museum (Pictish Stones) public) & gardens (open) Arbroath

Tolbooth, Stonehaven (building & Edzell Castle (ruin) & garden museum) Red castle (ruin), Lunan Bay

Stonehaven Harbour Invermark Castle (ruin)

Kinneff Old Kirk Usan Ice House & Saltpan

Benholm Mill Montrose Museum

Planned villages (Laurencekirk, Brechin Castle & gardens (not normally Fettercairn) open to public)

Bridge of Dye House of Dun, Montrose

Victoria Arch, Fettercairn Bridge of Dun

Ury House (hotel conversion) Bell Rock Signal Tower, Arbroath

Fettercairn Distillery Queen’s Well, Glen Mark

Grassic Gibbon Centre Dalhousie Arch, Edzell

Stonehaven Open Air Pool Angus Folk Museum, Glamis

Muchalls Castle (not open to public) The Retreat folk museum, Glenesk

Fasque (house no longer open) Gateway to the Glens Centre, Kirriemuir

Drumtochty Castle (not normally open Brechin Castle centre & Pictavia to public) ______

Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 34 to public) Caledonian Railway, Brechin

Montrose Airfield Museum

ABERDEEN CITY: SITES OF GEOLOGICAL INTEREST WITHIN PROPOSED GEOPARK AREA

Name of Approx age Grid Ref Area Interest of Area Designation Site Descriptor of area

Tills & glaciofluvial sediments, most late Devensian. Key site for NJ966045 Bay of Nigg Coastal/glacial SSSI interpreting glacial history & ice movement patterns in NE Scotland Quaternary

Metamorphic/ Migmatites and outcrops NJ966045 Bay of Nigg SSSI Dalradian Igneous relating to origins of granite clearly exposed

Meltwater channels – some NJ96358 Glacial/coastal DWS/SINS Quaternary Balnagask – spectacular examples strip watershed Nigg - Cove

Internationally-important site: formation, occurrence Metamorphic & relationships of structures, texture/ Coast north metamorphosed rocks. Silurian/ mineralogy NJ957008 of Cove Bay SSSI Andalusite in regionally Caledonian metamorphosed migmatic orogeny rocks

Some good but complex Metamorphic/ outcrops of metamorphic Hareness/ Igneous and igneous rocks plus a NJ953004 coast south SSSI spectacular felsite sill that Dalradian of Cove Bay can be followed along the coast with country rock relationships very obvious

ABERDEEN CITY: SITES OF GEOLOGICAL INTEREST OUTSIDE PROPOSED GEOPARK AREA

Grid Name of Approx age Reference Area Interest of Area Designation Site Descriptor of area

Dalradian schists and Brig o’ Metamorphic/ unconformable relationship Dalradian/ Balgownie Sedimentary with overlying ORS Silurian NJ942095 conglomerates and sandstones exposed at accessible sites

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 35 Rubislaw Igneous/industrial A great story here if only Late Silurian NJ911054 Quarry heritage access and information could be improved. This information compiled with assistance of Peter Craig and Anne Marie Gauld (Aberdeen City Council)

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 36 ABERDEENSHIRE: SITES OF GEOLOGICAL INTEREST WITHIN PROPOSED GEOPARK AREA

Approximat Name of e Age of Grid Ref Area Interest of Area Designation Site Descriptor Area

Clochnaben Granite landscapes Granite tors with jointing Late Silurian NO614866 area

Crawton Crawton Volcanic Late Silurian NO880797 Bay Igneous SSSI Formation – Early Devonian

Crawton NO879797 Bay Sedimentary SSSI Non-marine Devonian Devonian

Igneous/ NO890876 Garron Point sedimentary SSSI/SAC Highland Border complex Dalradian

Garron Point to Slug Igneous/ Highland Border NO893872 Head sedimentary SSSI/SAC Complex Ordovician

Raised beaches & shore NO770649 Milton Ness Coastal SSSI platform Quaternary

Devonian/Highland Border Complex/ Sedimentary/ classic section through North Esk igneous Barrovian metamorphic Dalradian/ NO595719 River Metamorphic SSSI zones Devonian

The Silurian – NO881866 Toutties/ Fossiliferous Fish faunas Devonian

Sand dune & salt marsh, Coastal/ littoral & supralittoral NO745635 St Cyrus Sedimentary NNR/SSSI sediment ; river & sea Holocene terraces

Excellent outcrops of sandstone infilling cavities in NO760649 St Cyrus Sedimentary/ NNR/SSSI contemporaneous lava Devonian Igneous/ fossiliferous flows – plus other lava features

Pre-Late Devensian shelly clay with marine molluscs & Early or Burn of Middle Devensian NO795691 Benholm Glacial/fossiliferous SSSI interstadial peat Quaternary

Near vertical LORS strata Late Stonehaven Sedimentary/ (conglomerates and Silurian/ Harbour Igneous sandstones) cut by Permian NO879853 dolerite dyke

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 37 Caves, stacks, arches, Muchalls Coastal landforms wave-cut platforms, Quaternary coastal area NO904917 landslips

This information compiled with assistance of Peter Craig

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 38 ANGUS: SITES OF GEOLOGICAL INTEREST WITHIN PROPOSED GEOPARK AREA

Interest of Approximate Grid Ref Name of Area Area Designation Site Descriptor Age of Area

Lr Devonian sedimentary rocks - Lower NO530536 Tillywhandland Fossiliferous SSSI fossil Devonian

Lower NO526551 Turin Hill Sedimentary SSSI Lr Devonian Devonian

Turin Hill Lr Devonian (inc Lower O511537 Quarries Fossiliferous SSSI Pitscandly and Mires) Devonian

NO733568 Scurdie Ness Minerals SSSI Minerals

Scurdie Ness to Lower NO730556 Rickie Craig Igneous SSSI Lr Devonian Lavas Devonian

The Deil's Heid - NO702475 Red Head Coastal Rock coast landforms Quaternary

Whiting Ness to Unconformity in NO669418 Ethie Haven Coastal SSSI Devonian - coastal Devonian

Sand duned and raised NO685495 Redcastle Coastal beaches Quaternary

Sand dunes and raised NO735615 Montrose Bay Coastal shorelines Quaternary

Montrose Bay NO745625 spit Coastal Spit coastal change Quaternary

Montrose Bay - Quaternary - carse/peat/ NO683565 Maryton Coastal SSSI basin Quaternary

NO685565 Maryton GCR Coastal GCR Raised marine deposits Quaternary

NO675495 Inverkeillor Glacial Glaciofluvial terraces Quaternary

NO735565 Ferryden Coastal Raised beaches Quaternary

Contact deposits - NO465505 Forfar Glacial outwash Quaternary

Friockheim/ Contact deposits - NO595495 Boysack Glacial outwash Quaternary

NO578689 North Water Glacial SSSI Paleochannels Quaternary

North Esk Sedimentary/ Devonian/Highland Devonian/ NO6604690 Gorge igneous SSSI Border Complex Ordovician

Information compiled by Craig Borland of Angus Council Rangers. Not all of these sites have current designations but all would be of interest for interpretation whether for a RIGS group or UNESCO Geopark.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 39 DEFINING THE GEOPARK BOUNDARIES

Defining the boundary of a potential Geopark will be dependent on local, geological and historical features including those listed above. Also extremely important is a supportive community which sees the area as somewhere with a distinct sense of place, and with unifying features of geography and community.

The suggested boundaries of a possible Geopark are shown on the map on page 26 above.

SUGGESTED NORTHERN BOUNDARY

One of the few locations where the rocks themselves are on display in a scenic coastal location on the NE Coast is the point the HBF meets the North Sea, just north of Stonehaven. The NE coastline encompasses the natural, geological and historical potential of the Geopark and illustrates how the geology affects and shapes the surrounding area. This can clearly be seen at Stonehaven, where the join between the Old Red Sandstone to the south and much harder metamorphic rock to the north has created a natural inlet. Father north are the caves, stacks, geos and wave-cut platforms near Muchalls, and within the City of Aberdeen itself are important coastal, glacial and metamorphic sites at the Bay of Nigg and Cove Bay. A few miles farther north is the Torry Battery, positioned at the mouth of the River Dee and Aberdeen Harbour, now very modern, but acknowledged as the UK’s oldest business, dating from 1136.

It is recommended that all of these features be included within the proposed Geopark and that the northern boundary follows the south shore of the Dee estuary.

SUGGESTED SOUTHERN BOUNDARY

Locating the southern coastal boundary on the south side of Arbroath (possibly at the rocks south of the harbour) would allow the inclusion of a large number of varied and important geological and natural features within the Geopark. These include Montrose Basin, a Local Nature Reserve important for local and migratory bird populations including wading birds, swans and migrating geese. This site would help to diversify the focus of the Geopark whilst providing a scenic link to the geomorphology of the coastal area. The Montrose Basin also shows geomorphological evidence from the Storegga Tsunami caused by a submarine landslide on Norway’s continental shelf more than 8,000 years ago. The cliffs south of Lunan Bay and Red Castle, from Ethie to Auchmithie and Arbroath, are spectacular, relatively accessible to walkers. Here, features such as the Whiting Ness unconformity, the Blowhole and Dickmont’s Den have already been interpreted in an excellent leaflet “Arbroath to Auchmithie Geodiversity Trail”, produced by the Arbroath RIGS group.

These features help to diversify the focus of the Geopark whilst providing a scenic link to the geomorphology of the coastal area.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 40 SUGGESTED NORTH WESTERN BOUNDARY The north western boundary of the Geopark would start at the shore of the River Dee west of Balnagask and Torry Battery, run west of Tullos Hill and Loch Inch to parallel the coast towards the HBF before cutting west to parallel the HBF north of Fetteresso and Drumtochty Forests, Cairn o’ Mount and possibly also Clachnaben. It would encompass Glen Esk, Glen Clova and Glen Prosen and meet the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park where Glen Mark meets Glen Esk, then abut the National Park boundary, which would present a logical line to encompass the Highlands transition from the Lowlands. Boundary changes to the Cairngorms National Park are at consultation stage, but these are not expected to alter the Park boundary in Angus, although any future change could impact on the boundary of the Geopark. Based upon the current Cairngorms National Park boundary, overlapping the two designations is unnecessary and would not be productive. This is not ideal, as the northern tip of Glen Clova falls within the Cairngorms National Park, but presents the best and most practical option at this point.

SUGGESTED WESTERN/SOUTH WESTERN BOUNDARY

Glen Prosen would mark the western boundary; from there, the south western boundary has been the hardest to define. A south western boundary at Glamis would allow the inclusion of Kirriemuir and Forfar and additionally would include andesitic and basaltic lava found south of the Montrose Basin stretching inland; these lavas mark a dramatic contrast to the surrounding geology as the area comprises mostly Old Red Sandstone.

Although these suggested boundaries make an excellent starting point in establishing a Geopark boundary, a detailed investigation would need to be carried out to finalise the entire boundary of the Geopark. This is likely to include consultation with local community representatives, potential members of a steering group, local council representatives, experts and other interested parties.

ALTERNATIVE GEOPARK LOCATIONS

Three other potential Geopark area have been suggested during consultation: • A Geopark following the Highland Boundary Fault across Scotland from coast to coast • A Geopark following the fossils found in Old Red Sandstone from multiple locations around Scotland. This could be themed on the famous geologist Hugh Millar who focused on fossils found in Old Red Sandstone. Alternatively, following the exploratory endeavours of specific geologists could offer a potential theme across a large area, for example the use of Peach and Horn at Knockan Crag in the North West Highlands Geopark. The management of multiple separate areas under one Geopark would be extremely difficult and may not be accepted by the European Geoparks Network • A coastal Geopark including the Tay estuary in the south and the Balmedie beach and Menie Estate sand dune systems in the north, or even including the whole north east to the Moray Firth coast and Great Glen Fault.

Further investigation into these options has not been included in the scope of this report.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 41 INTERPRETING AND PROMOTING THE GEOPARK

THEMES

The Highland Boundary Fault The unifying theme of the area is based around the HBF and the soils, biodiversity, landscape, land use, local human heritage and the development of communities, which are based upon the topography and geology of the area.

There is interpretation, currently in storage, explaining some of the background to the HBF and this also includes detail, interpretation and a replica of the Pneumodesmus Newmani fossil. A site is currently being sought where this may again be displayed in an accessible location, ideally all year round. An information board is also on-site at Cowie foreshore, close to where the fossil was found.

There is also a great desire in the town to mark the HBF, not only with interpretation, but also with: • a line on the road/pavement, where people could pose for photos straddling the Highlands and Lowlands. Although any such line could not be geologically correct, it is certainly likely to appeal to non-geologists and raise interest in learning more about the HBF • signs both north- and southbound on the A90, similar to the existing “height above sea level signs on the A9. The AWPR development may provide an opportunity to do this cost- effectively. • a line of posts which could be viewed from the high ground behind the town, giving non- geologists an insight into where the HBF lies. Although this is unlikely to be acceptable from an environmental perspective, other methods could be used to “trace” the line of the HBF, including: o sighting stones at appropriate locations (ie large, suitable boulders, with a hole bored in each which sights along the HBF o at specific events, lasers could also be used to “trace” the HBF under the night sky

The Oil and Gas Story – why it’s out there In addition, there is a tremendous opportunity to tell the story of North Sea oil and gas – not about exploring for and exploiting it, as this is already well-interpreted elsewhere including Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Stavanger Oil Museum – but interpreting why the oil and gas came to be where they are.

The site at Torry Battery, overlooking Aberdeen harbour, busy with oil support vessels, would be an ideal location to interpret this theme. A site at or near Montrose Harbour, also an important oil support base, could offer an additional opportunity.

Castles and Fortifications Another potential theme could be the link between geology and the location of the large number of castles, hillforts and other fortified positions in the proposed Geopark area.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 42 Quarries and Settlement Development Other possible themes include the positioning of towns in the lowlands and quarries in Stonehaven and Angus areas, which show the link between geology and local building materials.

The history of Stonehaven Harbour, how it was only developed following the removal, with explosives, of the massive stone which blocked its entrance, and how that stone was then used to build parts of Stonehaven New Town, linked to the quarry at the Harbour, offers an opportunity for lively and interesting geological interpretation. This could also be linked to other coastal and inland quarries at Inverkeillor, Friockheim and Turin Hill.

BRAND

Any Brand developed for the Geopark could not be used until it was known an application had been successful. The brand would depend on the Geopark’s name, and it is possible that this could be used in isolation until the word Geopark could be added.

INTERPRETATION

Using all or some of these themes as a basis, a considerable amount of interpretation could be delivered, in an engaging and fun way by using a range of media.

Interpretation Boards Ideally these would not only be static and vandal-proof, but also interactive in one way or another. They could be linked to viewpoints, walking and cycling routes along the coast, along the HBF, in the forests and in Glens Clova, Prosen and Esk. Road lay-bys and attraction and town/village car parks also offer opportunities, for example by the A92 in Angus and Aberdeenshire, by the Auchenblae Road, in Drumtochty Glen/Forest, by the Montrose-Forfar and Montrose-Brechin roads near the Basin, and in many other locations. Where relevant, land developers could be asked to include interpretation, particularly in residential developments in appropriate locations, or where building materials lend themselves to this. Already, FM Developments has indicated a willingness to do this within the Ury Estate development, which is close to the HBF, although at present Stewart Milne does not feel it has the resources to do similarly at Braehead, overlooking Garron Point.

Walking & Cycle Trails and Car Tours Depending on theme or themes developed, walking, cycling and car tour routes could be devised, with interpretation provided in a range of ways including boards, leaflets, podcasts, GPS-based systems and using mobile phone and other new technology. The Arbroath RIGS Group’s “Arbroath to Auchmithie Geodiversity Trail” provides a good start for this, although it is geared more for those already interested in geology than for casual visitors.

It will, however, be important to ensure that the numbers following any particular trail to not have a negative impact on the environment; conservation and people management are of vital importance, and this can be expected to be evaluated on any initial and re-evaluation site inspections.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 43 Guided Walks & Events All three Councils’ Countryside Ranger Services already offer a range of events, including guided walks, with some also including a geologist skilled in lively and fun interpretation. It has been suggested that many of these events could be re-branded, as and when appropriate, to reflect a growing interest in the geology of the area. It is also possible that new events could be added to the Rangers’ already varied programme; these might include fossil hunts, assuming these can be conducted sustainably.

Leaflets There is already a wide range of leaflets and brochures about the area, and it will be important to ensure that these include appropriate information and interpretation. Specific leaflets highlighting the developed themes and local geology would be desirable, and may attract sponsorship. However, if costs need to be kept low, making these available only for download may also be an option.

Websites There are already many websites covering the proposed Geopark area, including council, VisitScotland, Aberdeen City & Shire, and independent commercial websites such as stonehavenguide.net. Inclusion of geology-themed pages on these sites should be encouraged as soon as sufficient material is available and initial interpretation in place. It is also suggested that, rather than promoting these as “geology” pages, they are instead badged “fun geology” – but only where the content fits with this description.

Development of a website for the Geopark would also be desirable, but, in common with much other preparation, it could not feature the full Geopark identity until it was known that the application was successful. This could also make registration and use of relevant URLs (domain names) problematic.

Other means of interpretation New technology is constantly opening up new means of communication and interpretation delivery. This includes using GPS-based systems to deliver a standard commentary for certain pre-determined points on a walk, cycle or car run. Examples include the PDA-based system at the new Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre and a device which plugs into a car or coach radio, as used in some National Parks in North America. However, neither system is totally accurate, and poor weather may interfere with satellite reception. Podcast technology may be preferable, and there are also other electronic communications systems which are currently being developed for indoor and outdoor use. The University of Abertay is very active in this area, and often seeks projects of this type for students to work on.

Other means of promotion In addition to the website activity mentioned above, which would combine elements of both interpretation and promotion, it is expected that the Geopark would be promoted through: • Branding and identity awareness campaigns • Working closely with VisitScotland, Aberdeen City and Shire and Angus, the BGS, SNH, Forestry Commission and other appropriate partners A Marketing Plan would be required and would be expected to include the following elements: • Analysis and prioritisation of potential markets • Developing the product to meet market expectations • PR in local and national media, including familiarisation visits, competitions and campaigns • Promotional print effectively distributed • Developing and managing customer relations (Customer Relationship Management) • Direct mail/email campaigns • Advertising in appropriate media

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 44 INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE AREA

TRANSPORT

The area suggested for the Geopark benefits from good road and rail communications.

The A90 trunk road runs through the area from Forfar to Aberdeen, while the A92 Coastal Trail links Arbroath to Montrose and joins the A90 at Stonehaven, and is part of the National Tourist Route from Dundee to Aberdeen. Scotland’s 12 National Tourist Routes were created to divert tourist traffic away from trunk roads, and all, including the Coastal Tourist Route, are well signposted.

The rail network also follows the coast from Arbroath to Montrose, Stonehaven and Aberdeen, and the short inland section between Montrose and Stonehaven will, from early 2009, also include an additional stop at Laurencekirk, which would serve that part of the inland Geopark area.

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS AND INFORMATION CENTRES

As shown above, the area has a great number of sites of geological, natural, historical and cultural interest, and also has an abundance of sports and activities, from golf to paintball and surfing/kite surfing to salmon fishing. At present, within the suggested Geopark area, there are VisitScotland- operated Tourist Information Centres at Arbroath, Brechin and Stonehaven, and a large Visitor Information Centre in Aberdeen city centre, just outside the Geopark area. These, together with Council-operated tourist information points at Montrose Library, the Gateway to the Glens Centre in Kirriemuir and The Meffan in Forfar could be used to promote the Geopark through exhibitions, interactive displays and events. Other Visitor Centres including the Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre could also be used for promotion in harmony with the centre’s own aims.

ACCOMMODATION

Currently, accommodation is the one sector where there is inadequate provision, particularly in and around Stonehaven. Business tourism is particularly buoyant in Aberdeen, and during 2007-8, hotels and guest houses within a 40-mile radius of the city are normally full mid-week (ie Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights). Stonehaven has its own particular problems, due to over 150 bedspaces being lost over the past 10 years or so. Many hotels have been redeveloped as private housing, not necessarily because they were unprofitable, but because the buildings and/or land were worth more for this type of development. Mid-week in summer, TIC staff and B&B operators struggle to find accommodation for visitors, and many are booked into or referred to accommodation in Montrose, Edzell, Brechin, Forfar, Arbroath and even Dundee. Some visitors are not so lucky, and it is not unusual, early on a mid-week morning, to come upon European visitors sleeping in their cars – not from choice, but because they could find nowhere else.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 45 This situation will certainly change before any Geopark application can be made. Two new hotels are planned for the Stonehaven area, at Lairhillock/Netherley and Ury House, and over 2,100 new hotel rooms are expected in Aberdeen by the end of 2010, not including the projected Trump development at Menie. Assuming the pattern of business stays the same, there will be a large number of rooms to be filled Thursday – Sunday in and around the city, and mid-week, the business currently displaced from Aberdeen to Aberdeenshire and Angus can also be expected to decrease, freeing up a considerable number of rooms and bedspaces.

It is therefore anticipated that, by the time any Geopark application is made, there will be considerably more accommodation available for visitors to the area.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 46 CONSULTATION WITH POTENTIAL STAKEHOLDERS

Consultation with potential stakeholders has revealed considerable enthusiasm for the project.

PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS AND AMATEUR ENTHUSIASTS

Discussions with academic geologists from the British Geological Survey and Edinburgh University revealed that there may not be sufficient geological interest in the area proposed for the Geopark, and suggested a much wider area – the whole length of the HBF across Scotland or a wedge between the Great Glen Fault (ie Inverness) to the HBF (ie Stonehaven). It is hard to see how either of these proposals would work both on the ground and politically, and it would be likely that Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, and particularly Stonehaven would be overshadowed by other places which the public perceive to have more spectacular scenery. They did anticipate problems with interpreting the HBF, which is extremely complex in the Stonehaven area and not very accessible or visible. However, they also advised a large-scale survey of the area has yet to be carried out, and therefore they may not have been aware of some of the other points of interest.

Unfortunately, due to the short-time scale required for this study, it has not been possible to discuss the proposals in detail with local academic geologists. However, an independent professional geologist, who specialises in interpreting geology and geomorphology for the general public, has described the Stonehaven area as a geological honey pot. In addition, comments made by others, including SNH and North Pennines AONB Geopark personnel, suggest that interpretation to engage the wider public may be more important to a Geopark than outstanding geology which excites geologists.

Recent media coverage generated by this study has resulted in various interested individuals coming forward, who may be willing to help set up one or more RIGS groups to complement the existing Arbroath group.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES, SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE & VISITSCOTLAND

Although only consulted at officer level, all three Councils indicated tremendous interest in the project in many different ways. All those responsible for the Countryside Ranger Services were extremely enthusiastic and believed that the management of an eventual Geopark might fit well within their own departments, assuming it was adequately financed from other sources. In addition, area managers for Kincardine and Mearns and South Aberdeen were also very supportive, and discussion with Aberdeen City personnel also included enthusiastic individuals from Education, Corporate Communications, Environmental Strategy Planning and the South Aberdeen Coastal Regeneration Project. However, given the current lack of real information about the potential economic benefit of a Geopark, the Economic Development officials were understandably sceptical about how much additional tourism might be generated.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 47 Contact with Scottish Enterprise revealed that a potential Geopark application might fit with the agency’s strategy for tourism growth, which supports large projects which meet certain pre- determined criteria. Should the Geopark project continue and gather momentum, it is possible that SE might part-fund an in-depth, longer-term study into the viability and development of a Geopark for the area.

VisitScotland, through their Edinburgh-based Strategic Relations department, indicated a willingness to support any Geopark application, in writing when appropriate, and to be involved at a local level as and when appropriate.

THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association were also interested to hear of potential plans; although most hotels already have high occupancy rates mid week, the association is very aware that, with over 2,400 new hotel bedrooms (including the Trump development) likely to come on-stream by 2010, considerable effort will be required to fill even a proportion of these rooms at weekends. New products to engage visitors, such as a Geopark, are therefore to be welcomed.

Individual accommodation businesses, mostly small, were more sceptical, and typically operate on a less strategic level. Of those consulted, few could see the benefit to their business of a project likely to be so far in the future, given that any application for Geopark status is likely to take a minimum of 4 – 5 years.

OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES

The proposal for a Geopark was also well received by the Crown Estate (responsible for the coast between high and low water marks, much of which is owned by them) and the Forest Ranger service, which operates in forests such as Fetteresso, Drumtochty, Montreathmont and others where important archaeological sites, such as Capo Long Barrow, are located.

POTENTIAL CORPORATE PARTNERS

With one notable exception, the oil-related companies and land developers contacted have shown little interest. However, it is believed this results both from the project being so far in the future and from the short consultation timescale for this Report. For a company even to indicate interest at this early stage would be a major commitment, unlikely with one industry so dependent on the changing price of oil and the other currently suffering from the credit crunch and subsequent downturn in the housing market. However, the developers of Ury Estate, FM Developments, were very interested to hear of the Geopark proposals, and indicated wiliness to include interpretation within the development as and when appropriate.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 48 MANAGING THE GEOPARK

Based on the experience of other Geoparks outlined above, and consultation with potential stakeholders/partners, the following basic structure is suggested: • A Partnership (or “overseeing”) Group involving all, or most, interested parties (Partners) • A Steering Group • Geopark staff • Other staff who may combine working for the Geopark with their normal duties for one of the Partners

The actual organisation to manage the Geopark could take a variety of forms, including: • constituted body or committee • company limited by guarantee • management partnership with one or more of the local authorities • charitable organisation

Of these options, the latter two provide the best opportunities for funding from the EU (in the case of the local authority partnership) and from the Robertson Trust (in the case of a charitable organisation). See page 50 below for more information.

PARTNERSHIP GROUP

This should include, at least initially, all stakeholders as partners, to plan, shape and direct the Geopark, and lead it through the application process. It is suggested that the group comprise: • British Geological Survey (BGS) • Representative of academic and other professional geologists & enthusiasts (possibly through RIGS groups) • Local authorities: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Angus, including representation at officer and perhaps also member level, with officers potentially draw from: o Countryside Management/Rangers o Economic development o Education o Other appropriate departments/projects (for example, South Aberdeen Coastal Regeneration Project, and, if appropriate, the Mearns Coast Regeneration Priority Area and other similar initiatives • Scottish Enterprise • VisitScotland • Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) • East Grampian Coastal Partnership • Representatives of appropriate landowners (for example Dunecht Estates, National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission, the Crown Estate etc)

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 49 In other areas, Community Councils also play an active role. Here however, so many would be involved that it would be inappropriate to invite representatives of only one or two. The benefits of engaging these important community groups may well outweigh the numbers involved. It might reasonably be expected that, over time, only representatives of the communities with most to offer and gain from the Geopark would take any active interest. Town Partnerships may also be appropriate partners on a similar basis.

STEERING GROUP

The Steering Group must be small, with delegated powers to use their expertise to drive forward the interpretation, management and promotion of the Geopark while not infringing the requirements of the application process. It is suggested that the group comprise: • The BGS • Managers of the three Council Ranger Services • SNH • East Grampian Coastal Partnership • VisitScotland • Scottish Enterprise • RIGS group representative (if appropriate)

Should the local authorities require, it may also be appropriate to have economic development input to the Steering Group. Eventually, any Geopark Manager or Officer should also be part of the Steering Group.

STAFFING

It is clear from the experience of other Geoparks that a Geopark Officer or manager is a requirement for a successful application. Employment of such a person is unlikely to be practical until later in the application process, with much of the initial interpretation to be carried out by volunteers, through a RIGS group or otherwise, and by the Council Ranger services.

It may also be practical to start additional interpretation through the employment of temporary summer “Geo-rangers” to lead events additional to the normal Ranger programmes. Management and training would be through the Council Ranger services, and it is expected that the individuals appointed would be students of geology or other relevant degree subjects. Some may also be willing to continue work, for example at weekends and during Easter and perhaps Autumn school holidays on a voluntary basis, as such work counts highly on job-seekers’ CVs.

PREMISES

Initially, it is suggested any additional staff would be accommodated within the relevant Council Ranger service, and it is possible that an eventual Geopark Officer or Manager could also be based within one of these services as part of an in-kind Council contribution.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 50 It is not anticipated that a dedicated Geopark Visitor Centre would be required, although a centre to form a base for outdoor events and where indoor events might be held would be desirable. In the short term, perhaps centres such as the Brechin Castle and Gateway to the Glens centres might be used, with a similar functions provided by Stonehaven Community Centre.

Should sufficient funds be available in future, one or more dedicated centres in appropriate locations could be considered, and indeed if Geopark status is achieved, this could form part of future development and required improvement. Appropriate locations might be the old BT Stonehaven Radio station, which overlooks Stonehaven Bay and Garron Point, the old water pumping station at the Bay of Nigg or indeed part of Torry Battery itself.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 51 POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF A GEOPARK

As illustrated in Part One of this Report, obtaining data with which to calculate the economic benefit of a Geopark is difficult, and robust results could only be expected through detailed and costly research surveys.

Indeed, gathering robust tourism statistics of any kind is fraught with problems, particularly in areas where it is difficult or impossible to count visitors accurately. Only where visitors must pay for entry or pass through a reliable counting system can any real figures be gathered.

All national and regional tourism statistics are based on the UK Tourism Survey (UKTS) and International Passenger Survey (IPS), with other factors such as accommodation occupancy and visitor attraction figures also applied to estimate regional variations. Although these are the best figures available, it should be remembered that they are not, and cannot be, recorded to scientific standards; indeed, with Aberdeen Airport not included in the IPS, figures for international visitors to northeast Scotland are likely to be less accurate than those for other areas.

The Aberdeen City and Shire Visitor Survey 2004-5 estimates that, excluding day visitors and those staying with friends and relatives, there are 1.8 million trips to the area each year. These produce an estimated 5.7 million bednights and £390 million expenditure.

VisitScotland’s figures for 2006, which include those staying with friends and relatives, but not day visitors, show a slightly different pattern, with a similar total of 1.75 million trips, resulting in 7.1 million bednights and £367 million expenditure – a much lower spend per person, per night. However, some variance is to be expected, as the VisitScotland figures are for the whole Aberdeen and Grampian area (ie Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray)

VisitScotland’s 2006 statistics for Angus and Dundee, including visiting friends and relatives but excluding day visitors, show a total of 0.6 million trips resulting in 2.78 million bednights and £110 million expenditure.

These figures are not broken down into districts or areas, ie there are no figures available for the Stonehaven area or Angus, and certainly not for the area of the proposed Geopark. Each survey shows different expenditure figures, per person, per night:

Aberdeen City & Shire 2004 – 5: £68.42

Aberdeen & Grampian 2006: £51.69

Angus & Dundee 2006: £39.57

Average £53.23

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 52 The only possible means of estimating potential Geopark visitors is to look at total visitor numbers for attractions in the area which have paid entry. While it is not expected that the Geopark itself would, or could, be a paid attraction, statistics for paid attractions are likely to be more accurate than those for free attractions, where visitor numbers are often estimated. However, some paid attractions also supply estimates only. The following are based on 2007 figures:

Attraction Visitor numbers 2007

Glamis Castle: 118,801

Dunnottar Castle: 36,500

Caledonian Railway: 30,800

Montrose Basin: 11,571

Arbroath Abbey: 11,251

House of Dun: 9,098

Edzell Castle: 7,816

Pictavia: 5,866

Total: 231,703

Average, all attractions: 28,962

Average, top 3 attractions: 62,034

On this basis, there are at least two possible figures on which to base calculations.

The Marble Arch Caves appears to be the only Geopark with any data available for increased visitor numbers, which show a 30% increase between 2001, when Geopark status was granted, and 2007.

Based on the assumptions and figures above, the potential additional revenue generated to the local economy by a Geopark, over the first 6 years of its existence, could be:

Basis Additional Additional bednights expenditure

average visitor numbers of all attractions above: 8,689 £462,515

average of top 3 attractions above: 18,610 £990,610

The potential benefit over the first six years of the Geopark’s life could therefore be expected to be between £463K and £991K. However, this does not include the vast numbers of visitors and locals known to visit free attractions and walk in the area, although these people also generally contribute to the local economy through buying food and drink, petrol/diesel and souvenirs. What is clear is that a much more wide-ranging piece of research is required to provide a more robust basis for any investment in a Geopark.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 53 COSTS OF A GEOPARK AND POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES

COSTS

Assuming that the BGS agrees the area worthy of a Geopark application, their personnel have indicated they are willing to complete the application on behalf of the Geopark, as they have already done for the NW Highlands and Lochaber Geoparks and for the current active application for Shetland. There would be no charge made for this.

There will, however, be considerable other costs, not least those for interpretation and setting up a management structure with at least one full-time, paid, member of staff. In addition there will be hidden costs for administration back-up etc, which may be possible through Councils and/or other interested parties providing this on an in-kind basis.

Clearly, the costs of implementing any interpretation worthy of a Geopark will be dependent on a range of elements including how much may be carried out: • by volunteers such as RIGS groups • as part of existing Council/SNH/area regeneration projects • by land developers and/or oil & gas companies, or directly sponsored by them • by student projects (with reference to developing new interpretative technologies)

Equally, the costs of management will be influenced by how much may be undertaken: • by Council Ranger and other staff, as an integral part of their existing duties • by volunteers, including possible “Geo-Ranger” students seeking good experience to record on CVs etc

However, based on information received from other UK Geoparks, it seems likely that the likely real cost of the application will be at least £150K, with projected annual running costs of around £60K (of which only a small part should be allowed for salaries and administration, most being allocated for activities).

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES

The public sector will be particularly important if an application is to be made to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for support, as only public sector funds may now be counted for “match funding” and the grant must also be paid to a public body.

COUNCILS Although it seems unlikely in the current climate that Councils will be in a position to contribute to the creation of a Geopark in cash terms, it is possible that they can make a valuable contribution through:

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 54 • project-related developments, where cash support may be accessed through existing or new programmes such as the South Aberdeen Coastal Regeneration Project, and the Mearns Coast Regeneration Priority Area • in-kind support through potential use of office space and administrative support • in-kind support through Ranger-led activities and events, and potential management of seasonal “Geo-Rangers” • in-kind support through provision of interpretation boards • in-kind support through effective distribution of leaflets through Council-run facilities including libraries, museums, leisure centres and, in Angus, Council-run information points • in-kind support through donation of display space in a similar range of locations

SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE It is unlikely that Scottish Enterprise would be able to support financially the creation of a Geopark. However, should the Geopark project meet their criteria, the agency may be able to fund or part-fund a more in-depth study, as recommended below, to include economic impact research and a development plan for the Geopark.

VISITSCOTLAND The national tourist board/tourism body cannot contribute directly to projects such as the creation or running of a Geopark. However, with their support, considerable progress can be made, particularly: • including references (text, graphics and photos) to the Geopark in appropriate brochures, websites, and direct mailshots by email or snailmail • if possible, including similar geotourism-related references before the Geopark itself exists/ the application is made • effective distribution of geotourism-related brochures and leaflets, and eventual Geopark leaflets/booklets through the relevant Tourist Information Centres • display space for geo-tourism and eventual Geopark material in Tourist Information Centres and VisitScotland Regional Offices visited by tourism businesses, local politicians and other stakeholders in tourism

EUROPEAN FUNDS The current ERDF programme, due to end in 2013, through Priority 4, may be a means of attracting some funds. Applications are required to focus on economic development and promoting rural diversification. Although including part of the City of Aberdeen in the Geopark would not disbar an application, only activities within the rural area of the Geopark would be eligible. No funds are available for large infrastructure projects; however it is possible that funds required for marketing and branding could be eligible. Although the private sector can be involved in a project, any funds contributed by them would not count as “match funding” for any grant; only public sector funds are considered for this. In addition, the project must incur at least £200K of eligible expenditure per year. Although it initially seems unlikely that the Geopark could be eligible on this basis, applying a more strategic approach may make application possible, with one or more of the local authorities including eligible Geopark expenditure as part of a larger, related project. The projected Mearns Coast Regeneration Priority Area may be suitable for this approach. Only a public body may receive funds from this EU programme. More information: www.esep.co.uk email: [email protected] (Rob Gompertz)

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 55 In addition, funds may be available from the LEADER European programmes, which cover specific areas of Angus (through the rural Tayside LEADER programme) and Aberdeenshire.

In Aberdeenshire, rural areas and settlements with a population below 5,000 are eligible; this means that the whole of the Aberdeenshire area of the Geopark, except Stonehaven and Portlethen, would be eligible. More information: www.aberdeenshireleader.org/index.html email: [email protected] (Vicky Thomson/Anne MacLennan)

In Angus, although the stated aims are: “to strengthen and support local communities and interest groups to develop positive actions and stronger more inclusive communities, and to enhance the many natural and cultural assets of the area”, the target groups may be limiting; these are: “women, young people, migrant workers and economic inactive”. www.pkgrantsdirect.com/LEADERindex.htm email: [email protected] Tel: 01307 473222 or 473221 (Angus external funding team)

Many European Geoparks have received support from the European INTERREG IIIB programme, including the Northern Ireland Marble Arch Caves Geopark. It is possible that some support could be available through the North Sea eligible area of this programme, or through the Scottish-administered Northern Periphery programme. More information: www.interregiii.org.uk or www.northernperiphery.net

SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE SNH operate a series of grants of up to 50% of costs to improve and conserve Scotland’s natural heritage and its enjoyment by the public. Of the grants available, those most likely to be successful are: • “Involving People in Natural Heritage” possibly the most likely of the three to be successful • “Attractive places to live – Grants for Green Space”, which is for settlements with a population of over 3,000; it does have a bias towards those with a poor natural environment; Aberdeenshire and Angus may not qualify, but the relevant part of Aberdeen City may • “Waters for Life” which includes both fresh and coastal waters More information: www.snh.org.uk/about/ab-grants.asp

NATIONAL LOTTERY The Heritage Lottery Fund’s Heritage Grants (over £50K) or Your Heritage Grants (£3K - £50K) may be appropriate, as they are awarded for projects which help people to learn about their own and other people’s heritage, conserve heritage for present and future generations, and/or help more people, and a wider range of people to take an active part in and make decisions about their heritage. More information: www.hlf.org.uk/english

In Scotland, through the Big Lottery Fund, grants of £500 - £10K are offered through the “Big Ideas” project for a wide range of purposes including some which may be relevant to the Geopark. The final deadline for applications is 30 January 2009, although it does seem likely that another round of funds, or funds for a different project, will be made available. More information: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 56 THE ROBERTSON TRUST (note, only charitable organisations are eligible) Should the Geopark set up a charitable managing body, similar to that for Lochaber Geopark, a donation application could be submitted to this trust, which donates to a wide range of charitable activities in, or which impact on, Scotland. The Geopark would meet one of their four priority areas (Education and Training) although some of the lower priority categories are perhaps more suitable, for example Environment, and perhaps also Young People & Families. Donations can be for both capital and revenue projects, with revenue donations available for core and project funding up to a maximum of £15K per year over an initial 3 year period. Capital donations range from £5K to £100K, although this is for projects with a total value of over £1M. More information: www.therobertsontrust.org.uk email [email protected] Tel: 0141 221 3151

THE CURRY FUND administered by the Geologists Association This fund can, and does, give grants to pump-prime specific initiatives, including setting up RIGS groups, for which a grant of up to £450 may be available. More information: www.geologists.org.uk/awards.html

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP Although initial contact with potential corporate sponsors has been disappointing, as mentioned above, it is believed this is largely due to the very short timeframe available for consultation with them and the lack of real detail about the Geopark project.

Large scale sponsorship inevitably requires a long lead-in time, and sponsors are unlikely to indicate interest without considerable detail of the project being available. However, the oil & gas and land development companies contacted all requested details of the project, which is a positive step in what will be a long process should the Geopark project continue.

One-off, smaller scale sponsorship for specific projects requires real hard fact and details to be immediately available; this cannot yet be provided. However, the FM Developments Director contacted did indicate support with including interpretation within the Ury Estate development as and when appropriate.

Aberdeen City Council officials did indicate that their own high-level oil & gas contacts could in future be used once sufficient detail is known, and that these could be expected to deliver some support.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 57 KEY POINTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE APPLICATION

During the research for this Report, several people consulted mentioned the apparently parallel application for World Heritage Status for Arbroath Abbey, and at first it appeared that a wider application, for World Heritage Coast Status, on both historical and natural environment grounds, might be made. Investigations have shown, however, that the World Heritage application is not for the Abbey, but for the concept of the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320, which is the basis of what the world now understands as democracy and has many similarities with the American Declaration of Independence. It therefore seems unlikely that any co-operation with this application would be productive, although good communication with the project leaders is recommended.

THE GEOPARK AND INDUSTRY

Concern has been expressed that the presence of specific companies within the suggested Geopark area may militate against a Geopark. In particular, fish and meat processors and a waste management company all have sea outfalls, and while the organic material discharged through these meets current legislation, it may not meet the standards required of a Geopark. If the project is to progress, this aspect must be thoroughly investigated. The companies concerned are located in the City of Aberdeen and in Portlethen.

IMPORTANT LESSONS

• Those taking the project forward must strive to ensure that others recognise the area is a Geopark, ie in pre-arrival marketing, public relations and individuals and groups involved on the ground • Large areas are difficult to manage and can also dilute the sense of integration found in an established Geopark • The Geopark must have a clear remit to work within the boundary area. Without this, implementing projects and improving interpretation may become much harder due to extensive checks and applications for permission to work • In essence a Geopark is more than an area highlighted because of its geology, it has to have the “breadth and quality” to tell a story benefiting the individual, the area and local communities • It will be very difficult to create an initial forecast for the budget and a possible business plan. Re-evaluation reports can be made available through the UNSECO website and these provide valuable information in helping to set up, plan and budget in the lead-up to the first assessment after Geopark status has been attained • Starting an application without any management structure or funding in place would be a time-consuming task which is not assured of success. Creating a management body that is able to implement the activities and practices of a Geopark would require more than one or two individuals; funding this type of enterprise can be difficult without anything in place

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 58 RECOMMENDATIONS

Regardless of whether a Geopark application is eventually progressed, there is much which can be done in the short and medium term to begin the delivery of the requirements of an application. Anything which results in a greater appreciation of the area’s geology and earth heritage by a greater number of people will be beneficial whether or not Geopark status is ever attained. Any new interpretation will also be a legacy for the future.

With this in mind, the following recommendations are made:

Short term: • set attainable goals which may include: o presenting this report to existing and potential stakeholders o holding one or more “brainstorming” public meeting(s), to which all interested parties are invited (BGS has already indicated willingness to participate in this) • lobby, through NESTOUR, ACSEF and other relevant bodies for an in-depth study and development plan to be instigated

Medium term: • working with the brainstorming meeting results, set additional attainable goals which may include: o setting up one or more RIGS group(s) to complement the Arbroath group; these may be based on Stonehaven, Montrose, Aberdeen and inland Angus o considering and implementing marking the line of the HBF for non-geologists in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way o working with Council Ranger Services to raise the profile of the area’s geology and earth heritage • co-operate with and assist any in-depth study which may be commissioned • if appropriate, set up a Partnership or overseeing Group to lead and guide developments, potentially eventually towards a Geopark application

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 59 APPENDICES

RIGS GROUPS & THEIR BENEFITS

Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites, or RIGS, are a UK-wide organisation with the aims of protecting and highlighting specific sites for education and public benefit as well as working on a UK-wide perspective on common themes and areas of interest.

The focus of UK RIGS is geology of both regional and local importance; due to this the creation of one or more RIGS group(S) in the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Angus area to complement the existing Arbroath group would be a step towards both highlighting the benefits of the area’s geology and potentially attaining UNESCO Geopark status.

Many current designations such as Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) can provide protection for these areas but also present a restriction in terms of the limited benefits provided. A RIGS group allows a better level of protection while improving the educational value of the area for both locals and visitors. The instigation of a RIGS group network, or extending the Arbroath Group’s remit, to cover the potential Geopark area would be beneficial and an early step for meeting the requirements for obtaining Geopark status.

RIGS currently have thirty member groups, mostly located in England, and two associate members. The UKRIGS organisation is looking to expand and the potential area of this Geopark would present benefits to both the Geopark application and the UKRIGS network. The requirements for UKRIGS approval would also provide a good practical experience in terms of site management and organisation relevant for running a Geopark, albeit on a smaller scale.

Regardless of further aspirations for the area, one or more RIGS groups would present an excellent opportunity to develop the geology for benefit of the local community and highlight the important geology of the area surrounding Stonehaven and the Highland Boundary Fault. This could also be expected to have positive knock-on effects for tourism locally.

Official membership of the UKRIGS costs just £5 per annum, but other costs would be incurred by the setup and implementation of RIGS requirements. The RIGS website provides a comprehensive handbook on all involved aspects of the RIGS process. This includes an excellent funding section highlighting requirements and potential sources of funding, although many of these have been explored in Part Two above, including specific funding available for the setting up of such a group.

A RIGS group would also represent an excellent platform to perform an in-depth investigation into the positioning of the HBF and its interpretation, and create an accurate and usable map of the area.

The RIGS handbook can be found at: www.ukrigs.org.uk/handbook/rhb09.pdf and the current development strategy (2006-2010) at www.ukrigs.org.uk/public/devstrat2006.pdf This provides useful definitions and contacts, and outlines the objectives and improvements that the UKRIGS networks aim to achieve.

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 60 PEOPLE CONSULTED Note: contact information for the following available on request Geoparks Keith Hoole, Geopark Officer, Locahber Geopark Jim Blair, Vice Chairman, Lochaber Geopark Fiona Mackenzie, Geopark officer Evelyn Mackay, Assistant Geopark Officer Richard Watson, Manager, Marble Arch Caves Geopark Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director, North Pennines AONB Geopark Mel Border, English Riviera Geopark Coordinator Tony Ramsay, Fforest Fawr Geopark Kate Dougan, for Shetland’s active Geopark application Geologists Hugh Barron, British Geological Survey (Edinburgh) Prof Nigel Trewin, University of Aberdeen & Aberdeen Geological Society Dr Con Gillen, University of Edinburgh Bill Henderson, Local Geologist with interest in the HBF & the Geopark Peter Craig, Local Geologist with experience of interpretation to non-geologists

Councils – Aberdeen City Gordon McIntosh, Manager, Aberdeen South Ian Tallboys, Countryside Ranger Manager Louise Scott, Head of Corporate Communications David Fryer, Neighbourhood Community Planning Officer (ref the Coastal Regeneration Project) Peter Inglis, Aberdeen Education Anne Marie Gauld, Planner, Environmental Strategy Andrew Stephen, Senior Business Development Executive Councils – Aberdeenshire Willie Munro, Area Manager, Kincardine and Mearns Robert Armstrong, Senior Business Development Executive Fred Gordon, Head Countryside Ranger Councils – Angus Mick Pawley, Countryside Services Manager Craig Borland, Senior Countryside Ranger, Forfar Loch Country Park Prue Dowie, Economic Development Norman Atkinson, Head of Cultural Services (with reference to UNESCO World Heritage application) Other public bodies Colin Simpson, Tourism Co-ordinator, The Highland Council Dr Rachel Wignall, Policy & Advice Officer, Earth Science, Scottish Natural Heritage Chris Maguire, Strategic Relations Manager, VisitScotland (Edinburgh) Ken Massie, Regional Director, VisitScotland (Aberdeen) Elaine Booth, Project Manager, Industry Delivery, Scottish Enterprise (Aberdeen office) Ewen Reid, Ranger Manager, Forestry Commission Aberdeen forest district Paul Bancks, Coastal Manager (Scotland), The Crown Estate (Edinburgh office) David Philip, Stewardship and Renewables Manager, The Crown Estate (Edinburgh office) Representatives of the Cairngorms National Park Authority Private Sector Peter Medley, Vice-Chair, Aberdeen City & Shire Hotels Association Various small tourism businesses, principally in the Mearns & Angus Richard Milne, Director, FM Developments Representatives of: Kirkwood Homes; Stewart Milne; Talisman Energy; Petro-Canada

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Feasibility Study: Stonehaven area Geopark Elma McMenemy Marketing + PR in association with Robert Needham 61