Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 This publication contains a progress report for 2008/09 towards the achievement of the National Park Plan. The map is for information only and should not be used for navigational purposes. Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holders.

Published by the Authority © CNPA 2009. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-906071-05-9 www.cairngorms.co.uk

Photography by: Anke Addy, www.cairngormlandscapes.co.uk, Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust, CNPA, Murray Fleming, David Gowans, Stewart Grant, Small Communities Housing Trust, Neil McIntyre, George Logan, Andy Rockall, Duncan Shaw, Donald Stewart, VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint, Will Boyd Wallis.

Front cover photo: Loch Pityoulish © David Gowans The range of partners who helped implement the Cairngorms National Park Plan during 2008-2009.

• Aberdeenshire Council • Lantra • Aberdeenshire Rural Housing Enabler • Macaulay Institute • Angus Council • Moray Council • Association of Cairngorms Communities and • National Farmers Union Scotland all the Community Councils and Community • National Trust for Scotland Associations in the National Park • North East Mountain Trust • and the Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation • North East Scotland Biological Records Centre • British Geological Survey • Royal Commission on Ancient & Historic Monuments Scotland • Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce • Royal Deeside Destination Management • Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group Organisation • Cairngorms Farmers Market • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds • Cairngorms Hostels • Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society • Cairngorms LEADER • Scottish Enterprise • Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan Project • Scottish Environment Protection Agency • Cairngorms National Park Authority • Scottish Federation of Housing Associations • Cairngorms Water Vole Project • Scottish Government Housing and Regeneration • Creative Cairngorms Directorate • Crofters Commission • Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate • Dee Catchment Management Partnership • Scottish Natural Heritage • Deer Commission Scotland • Scottish Rural Property and Business Association • Deer Management Groups in the Cairngorms • Scottish Water • Forest Research Services • SportScotland • Forestry Commission Scotland • The Cairngorms National Park Advisory Forums • Highland and Moray House Builders • The estates, farmers and other land managers in the • Highland Council Cairngorms National Park - in particular, Alvie & • Highland Foundation for Wildlife Dalraddy, Balmoral,The Crown Estate Glenlivet, Glen Feshie, Kinveachy, Lynaberack, Mar Lodge • Highland Housing Alliance and Rothiemurchus estates, and those estates who • Highland Small Communities Housing Trust are part of the Caenlochan Glen Section 7 Control • Highlands and Islands Enterprise Agreement • Historic Scotland • The Heather Trust • Homes for Scotland • UHI Millennium Institute • John Muir Trust • VisitScotland • Wild Scotland

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 1 Contents

Cairngorms National Park map

List of partners 1

Foreword 3

Introduction 4

The Cairngorms National Park Plan and the Progress Report 2008/09 5

Progress in 2008/09 6-7

Cairngorms National Park Plan ‘Health Check’ 2009 8-9

Conserving and Enhancing Biodiversity and Landscapes 10-11

Integrating Public Support for Land Management 12-13

Supporting Sustainable Deer Management 14-15

Providing High Quality Opportunities for Outdoor Access 16-17

Making Tourism and Business More Sustainable 18-19

Making Housing More Affordable and Sustainable 20-21

Raising Awareness and Understanding of the Park 22-23

Cairngorms above mist Foreword Facal-toisich

We are now two years into the delivery of this National Tha sinn air Plana a’ Phàirc Nàiseanta a’ libhrigeadh Park Plan and I think this progress report demonstrates airson dà bhliadhna a-nis agus tha mi a’ smaointinn gu the achievements that are being made across all its bheil an aithisg adhartais seo a’ sealltainn na chaidh a’ priorities for action. There are many good examples of dhèanamh.Tha gu leòr eisimpleirean air an adhartas a progress in this report, but I am particularly pleased that rinn sinn san aithisg seo ach tha mi gu sònraichte young people continue to be closely involved in enjoying toilichte fhaicinn gu bheil daoine òga fhathast a’ sàs ann a and finding out more about the Cairngorms National bhith a’ faighinn a-mach mun Phàirc Nàiseanta a’ Park, both through practical activities and through links Mhonaidh Ruaidh agus tlachd fhaighinn bho cur- with the Curriculum for Excellence. I’m also delighted seachadan prataigeach agus tro ceanglaichean leis an that so many diverse partners have helped to develop Curriculum for Excellence.Tha mi cuideachd toilichte the Cairngorms Wildcat Project to safeguard one of gun robh mòran bhuidhnean eile air cuideachadh a Scotland’s and the Cairngorm’s most iconic species in thoirt dhuinn leis am Pròiseact Cat-Fiadhaich a’ what is the only project of its kind in the UK. Mhonaidh Ruaidh a’ leasachadh gus an gnè ainmeil seo a’ dhìon. As we approach the mid-point of this National Park Plan’s five-year term, it is a good time to take stock of Tha sinn air leth ar slighe gus am plana còig bliadhna a’ progress so far, our expectations of future work, and the Phàirc Nàiseanta a’ choileanadh agus ‘se deagh àm a challenges that we are likely to face over the next two to th’ann sùil a thoirt air an adhartas a rinn sinn mu thràth, three years. na tha sinn an dùil a dhèanamh agus na dùbhlain a tha romhainn thairis air na bliadhnaichean a tha ri tighinn. The changing national and global economic conditions we have all experienced over 2008 and 2009 will have Bheir na h-atharraichean anns an t-suidheachadh impacts on the National Park.This has already affected eaconomach nàiseanta agus eadar-nàiseanta a tha sinn air the construction and house building industry and is likely fhaireachdainn ann an 2008 agus 2009, buaidh air a’ to affect future development of affordable housing.The Phàirc Nàiseanta.Tha seo air gnìomhachasan togail a’ public sector is entering a period of more constrained bhualadh agus tha a h-uile coltas ann gum bi leasaichean spending and this will influence how we continue to togail eile air am bualadh cuideachd. Bi bacadh air cus deliver the National Park Plan.There are also airgead ga chosg leis an roinn phoblach agus bheir seo opportunities from new national priorities such as buaidh air mar is urrainn dhuinn am plana a’ Phàirc Scotland’s recent statutory target to reduce greenhouse Nàiseanta a’ choileanadh. Agus, tha cothroman ùra a gas emissions by 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent nochdadh gu nàiseanta mar an targaid reachdail gus by 2050. gasan a’ lughdachadh gu 42% ro 2020 agus 80% ro 2050.

These are some of the reasons why the Cairngorms Seo dìreach feadhainn de na h-adhbharan a tha National Park Authority is co-ordinating a National Park Ùghdarras am Pàirc Nàiseanta a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh air an Plan ‘Health-Check’ over the summer of 2009.We want aithisg seo a chuir ri chèile thairis an t-Samhradh 2009. to make sure that we can collectively respond to these Tha sinn airson dèanamh cinnteach gun urrainn dhuinn challenges, and ensure that we tailor our work over the freagairt fhaighinn air na dùbhlain seo agus gun urrainn next two years to ensure the continued delivery of this dhuinn an obair a tha ri dhèanamh, a dhèanamh thairis National Park Plan’s priorities for action and their air an ath dà bhliadhna agus Plana am Pàirc Nàiseanta a’ contribution to the Scottish Government’s National choileanadh agus gun cuir e ri builean Nàiseanta Outcomes. Riaghaltas na h-Alba.

David Green/Daibhidh Green Convener/Neach-gairm

Cairngorms National Park Authority Ùghdarras Pàirc Nàiseanta a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 2 3 Introduction

Castle Roy

The Cairngorms National Park Plan The Cairngorms National Park Plan was developed to co-ordinate and was prepared by the Cairngorms prioritise the additional, different or National Park Authority (CNPA) in special management needs of the partnership with all those groups, Cairngorms National Park. It was organisations and individuals already approved by the Scottish Executive in managing the Park. It sets out the March 2007 and is the blueprint for long-term vision (25 years) for the how the Cairngorms National Park Park and the priorities for action will be managed over the next for the first five years of the Plan 25 years. from 2007–2012.

The Vision Imagine a world class National Park.

An outstanding environment in which the natural and cultural resources are cared for by the people who live there and visit; a renowned international destination with fantastic opportunities for all to enjoy its special places; an exemplar of sustainable development showing how people and place thrive together. A National Park that makes a significant contribution to our local, regional and national identity.

This is our vision for the Cairngorms National Park in 2030. Inshriach birch The Cairngorms National Park Plan and the Progress Report 2008/09

Mountain hare

The Cairngorms National Park was This report is about the achievements dedicated to each.We have reported designated in 2003 because it was that have been made by all the the achievements in 2008/09 as well recognised that it was a special place partners in delivering the Park Plan’s as highlighting the milestones we that should be managed differently to seven priorities for action over the expect during 2009/10. Each priority make the most of its special qualities. past year. also incorporates one or two case The Cairngorms National Park Plan studies to illustrate the range of The day to day management of the was prepared to co-ordinate and achievements and activities in more Cairngorms National Park continues prioritise the additional, different or depth. to be carried out by the organisations, special management needs of the land managers, businesses, During the 2008/09 year the partners Park.The Park Plan is implemented by communities and individuals who did made significant progress in delivering a wide range of partners from the so before the area became a National the National Park Plan.We know this public, private, community and Park. Many of them also deliver because we have been monitoring voluntary sectors. services, manage and contribute to progress in delivering actions set out This second annual progress report the Park’s special qualities in ways that in the Park Plan and the five-year for the Cairngorms National Park Plan the Cairngorms National Park Plan outcomes for each priority for action. has been prepared by the Cairngorms does not need to prioritise or co- This monitoring is reported to the National Park Authority (CNPA) on ordinate.Their work remains vital to Cairngorms National Park Authority behalf of all the partners who the Cairngorms National Park’s Board every four months to provide implement it. It summarises what has success. regular updates.These progress been achieved for the Park Plan’s reports can be viewed on the This report is an update on progress seven priorities for action in its second Cairngorms National Park Authority’s with delivery of the Cairngorms year, where we think we are in website (www.cairngorms.co.uk). National Park Plan across its seven delivering the Plan’s five-year priorities for action (see box below) outcomes, and highlights future work and the report has a section and milestones.

The seven Priorities for Action for 2007–2012 are: • Conserving and Enhancing Biodiversity and Landscapes • Integrating Public Support for Land Management • Supporting Sustainable Deer Management • Providing High Quality Opportunities for Outdoor Access • Making Tourism and Business More Sustainable • Making Housing More Affordable and Sustainable • Raising Awareness and Understanding of the Park

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 4 5 Progress in 2008/09

Loch Alvie

The National Park Plan’s five-year Figure 1 shows the assessment of considered unlikely to be achievable outcomes are monitored to provide a progress in delivering the National by 2012 given current economic simple guide to progress.We use a Park Plan’s outcomes at May 2009. conditions and delivery mechanisms. simple classification that explains the The CNPA estimates that nearly 45 The first outcome relates to the likelihood of each outcome being per cent of the five-year outcomes will targeting of land management support achieved by 2012.The assessment of be achieved by 2012 with existing to deliver specific priorities within the progress is made by the CNPA work and resources, but that around National Park, which current through consultation with the main 55 per cent of outcomes will require mechanisms are only partially partners involved in each priority for more work and/or resources to delivering.The second outcome action. It is based on a combination of be achieved by 2012. None of (linked to the supply of housing for the progress in delivering the Park the outcomes have been fully those in need), has been influenced by Plan’s actions; any information available achieved yet. the economic downturn and on indicators or other data; and any particularly by the constraints on Two outcomes, linked to public other relevant information available to availability of credit to fund support for land management the programme manager.The classes developments. delivering public benefits, and the gap are described below: between those in housing need and 1 Outcome will not be achieved supply of affordable housing, are 2 Outcome unlikely to be achieved 3 Outcome needs more Figure 1 - Progress towards five-year outcomes work/resource to be achieved Should be achieved with existing work/resource 4 Outcome should be achieved with Needs more work/resource to be achieved existing work/resource Unlikely to be achieved 5 Outcome has been achieved Percentage 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

All National Park Plan Five-Year Outcomes 18 outcomes 21 outcomes 2 outcomes

Conserving and Enhancing Biodiversity and Landscapes 4 outcomes 5 outcomes

Integrating Public Support for Land Management 1 outcome 1 outcome 1 outcome

Supporting Sustainable Deer Management 3 outcomes 2 outcomes

Providing High Quality Opportunities for Outdoor Access 3 outcomes 3 outcomes

Making Tourism and Business more Sustainable 3 outcomes 4 outcomes

Priorities for Action Priorities for Making Housing more Affordable and Sustainable 1 outcome 2 outcomes 1 outcome

Raising Awareness and Understanding of the Park 3 outcomes 4 outcomes Highland pony

Figure 1 shows that the partners’ It also shows that we cannot be Finally, given the challenges we know work and effort over the first two complacent about the effort required are facing us, it should help us to years of the Plan is leading to over the next three years.The two reflect on what outcomes are most progress.The outcomes set out in the outcomes that we think are unlikely to important, whether we need to tackle National Park Plan are ambitious, and be achieved by 2012 may still be some in different ways, and how we many are on track to be delivered by achieved by then if additional or can continue to make better use of 2012.The more detailed lists of alternative approaches can be our resources up to and beyond achievements and case studies for pursued, or on a longer timescale.We 2012.This is the stimulus for the each priority for action show that the also think that more than 50 per cent mid-term ‘health check’ of delivery National Park and the people who live of the remaining outcomes need more that the CNPA will co-ordinate on in, work in, visit, enjoy, and learn from work and resources to be achieved by behalf of the partners during 2009. it are benefitting from that work. 2012.This presents us all with a challenge as wider economic conditions are likely to constrain private and public sector funding over this period.

Glen Banchor

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 6 7 Cairngorms National Park Plan ‘Health Check’ 2009

Highland Games

This annual progress report on the Second, by the time we produce National Park Plan comes at the end another annual progress report in of the second year of implementation. 2010, we will be starting work to This is a significant point in the Park prepare the next five-year National Plan’s cycle for two reasons. Park Plan.This means that we will need to have identified the First, we will soon be half way through information that is most relevant and the five-year delivery period, and need useful to both assess the performance to consider how to make the most of of this Plan and set the context for an the second half. This means taking even more effective one from 2012. stock of delivery, looking at where we Common blue butterfly are doing well and where we are not Much of this work has been ongoing doing so well, assessing our resources, since the production of the last State and making sure we are doing as of the Park report in 2006.We much as possible over 2010-12 to already have access to more accurate deliver the Park Plan’s outcomes. and more comprehensive information about many of the resources in the This may mean doing more work, or Park as well as pressures on it. doing things differently in the future. It However, the next State of the may also mean we need to re- Park report needs to focus on the prioritise some work, or accept that information that is most useful and there will be areas we won’t have the most helpful. resources to tackle as well as we would like. Climbing Coire an t-Sneachda

For those reasons, the CNPA will co- up to the next State of the Park ordinate a National Park Plan delivery Report and National Park Plan from ‘Health-Check’ over the summer of 2012. 2009. It will not be a review of the The ‘Health-Check’ will be carried out Park Plan itself but will focus on with partners through the existing delivery of the Park Plan, the work priority for action delivery teams and needed, and resources required or established advice forums. Its findings available over the remaining years to and implications will be reported to achieve its outcomes. the CNPA Board in the autumn of It will also look at the information 2009. All partners should use the currently available that can tell us how opportunity to review their own and we are doing, whether it is good our collective contributions to enough, or whether we can get better delivering the National Park Plan information to inform this Park Plan over the past two years, and the and the next one.The review of commitment needed for the information will inform research next three. priorities for the National Park leading

Red squirrel Starry saxifrage

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 8 9 Conserving and Enhancing Biodiversity and Landscapes

Water vole

This priority for action is intended to Achievements during 2008/09 • Farmland wader initiative ensure that the important geology, introduced by RSPB and farm • A Cairngorms National Park wildlife, habitats, diverse landscapes conservation advisors recruited to Biological Recording System was and human history of the Cairngorms assist land managers making SRDP being developed by the North National Park are at least maintained applications East Scotland Biological Records and wherever possible strengthened. It Centre to collate and make • Pilot phase of National Wetland recognises that many of these features available biological records Inventory commenced by SEPA in are important because of the way the Cairngorms National Park to people have lived and managed the • Launch of the Cairngorms Wildcat provide baseline information for land in the past, and that current and Project – a flagship project to help wetland conservation and future management holds the key to conserve and raise awareness of enhancement their continued health. this nationally important species Surveys were established in 2007/08 • Study undertaken into the or continued into 2008/09 for wildcat; feasibility for riparian woodland Milestones for 2009/10 twinflower; inbye semi-natural planting as part of the River Dee • Update of the Landscape grasslands; wetlands; riparian catchment management Character Assessment for the woodlands; Arctostaphylos heath; and • Conference hosted by RSPB and Cairngorms National Park to be aspen woodland in Strathspey. CNPA on the current status of completed including analysis of Projects to undertake active capercaillie and work needed to the landscape special qualities management were established in assist population recovery • Rare plant conservation project to 2007/08 or continued in 2008/09 for: • Capercaillie conservation work be established by University of water vole; capercaillie; black grouse; including 2000m of deer fence Aberdeen, Plantlife, SNH and red squirrel; wildcat; semi-natural marking, 1200m stock fence repair, CNPA grasslands; native woodlands; water 89Ha habitat creation and up to • Implementation of prioritised bodies/water courses; non-native 140Ha habitat improvement was actions in the Spey Catchment plants; pine hoverfly; freshwater pearl funded through the Species Action Management Plan mussels; wetland restoration; Framework goldeneye; mink; grey squirrel; and • Community Heritage Project to be • Continuation of American mink twinflower. launched to support communities control as part of a north-east in the Park to understand, water vole conservation project conserve and enjoy their local co-ordinated by the University of cultural heritage Aberdeen Ensuring that the important geology, wildlife, habitats, diverse landscapes and human history are at least maintained and wherever possible strengthened.

Lily Loch

Cairngorms Biological Cairngorms Wildcat organisations together who agreed to Recording System Project act now to help save the Scottish wildcat. Major threats to the species The North East Scotland Biological A project to help safeguard the are thought to include hybridisation Records Centre is developing a new Scottish wildcat – one of Scotland’s and disease transmission with system that will help collate records most iconic mammals – has been domestic cats and being mistakenly and information on the presence and launched in the Cairngorms National killed during feral cat control. distribution of species and habitats in Park which is a stronghold for this the National Park.These can be stored declining species and is now the focus As well as raising awareness of the in a range of places and formats and of effort funded through Scotland’s plight of the wildcat, the project aims include anything from casual Species Action Framework. A to safeguard wildcat populations for observations by members of the partnership including the Royal the future by working with public to surveys commissioned by Zoological Society of Scotland, veterinarians, cat welfare charities and public agencies. Scottish Gamekeepers Association, cat owners to increase levels of Forestry Commission Scotland, neutering and vaccination of domestic When complete in 2011, the Scottish Natural Heritage, the Wild cats. In addition, this project will work Cairngorms Biological Recording Media Foundation and the CNPA has with gamekeepers and other land System will provide a focal point that joined forces to raise awareness and managers to ensure that predator will help realise greater value from the take practical conservation action in control activities do not put wildcats data; promote the identity and inform the National Park. at risk. management of the Park; increase awareness and understanding of the The project builds on a conference For more information visit Park’s natural heritage; and make the held in 2008 in Aviemore which drew www.highlandtiger.com. information publicly available. A series a wide range of people and of events were held around the Park to encourage people to collate and submit their records. The system should also help to manage, update and verify biological records for the Park; promote interest and encourage both the recording and submission of new data; and transfer all Cairngorms National Park records to the National Biodiversity Network that can then be widely accessed via Scottish wildcat the internet.

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 10 11 Integrating Public Support for Land Management

Glen Prosen

This priority for action is intended to Achievements during 2008/09 • A ‘Low Carbon Estates’ project support a diverse, viable and was started to help identify carbon • Provision of advice and guidance to productive land management sector reduction opportunities at estate support implementation of that continues to provide high quality scale and examine the feasibility for Scotland Rural Development primary produce such as food and low carbon infrastructure such as Programme (SRDP) in the timber, while delivering public benefits woodfuel heating National Park through two land that are compatible with the Park’s management support officers and • Approximately 550 people in special qualities and make a growing SRDP case officers around 140 different land-based contribution to employment and the businesses received training on a local economy. • Series of seminars delivered on the wide range of subjects to help opportunities of the SRDP The priority seeks to move to a deliver public benefits to the Park simpler system of support that is • Farm visits arranged to advise on more effectively more integrated across sectors, more potential options to deliver public clearly linked to the tangible delivery benefits and identify potential of public benefits, and is more closely support Milestones for 2009/10 linked to the needs and priorities of • 57 Rural Development Contracts • Research into carbon storage the Park. awarded to land-based businesses capability of land management . in the National Park • Woodfuel Fair to bring together • Two seminars delivered and producers, processors and publication of a guide to help customers farmers estimate and reduce • Action to support local food and greenhouse gases following the drink production and marketing completion of a carbon footprint pilot on 16 farms • Action to support renewable energy opportunities • Ongoing development of a Woodfuel Action Plan to stimulate the woodfuel market Grantown Show Supporting a diverse, viable and productive land management sector that continues to produce high quality primary produce while delivering public benefits.

Wood chipping

Scotland Rural Development Low Carbon to national climate change targets in Programme Estates ways that identify economic opportunities or savings, and considers The Scotland Rural Development Six estates in the National Park have the practical barriers to making Programme (SRDP) has supported a been working to identify opportunities change within the business. range of land-based businesses deliver to reduce their carbon emissions, public benefits from biodiversity and supported by specialist advice. In 2009, the project will track the forest management to outdoor access. implementation of options arising The project includes a carbon Case officers from the Scottish from this study, and link with other footprint of the estate business, an Government’s Rural Payments and climate change and land management options appraisal to identify areas that Inspections Directorate, Scottish work initiated in 2008 including bring economic benefit, and a more Natural Heritage and Forestry research on land capability for detailed feasibility study on one of Commission have worked alongside carbon capture. these for implementation. CNPA’s land management support officers to assist land managers in The project builds on a farm scale the Park. pilot carried out in 2008 and is helping to identify how estate To date, approximately £4.86million businesses can adapt to contribute over a ten year period has been committed within the Park area, across 57 successful Rural Development Contracts awarded.The majority of that investment is in biodiversity and forest management, alongside other business development measures. At the start of 2008/09, CNPA employed two land management support officers to provide advice and guidance to land managers to help realise the full potential of Rural Woodland grazing Development Contracts.

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 12 13 Supporting Sustainable Deer Management

Deer stalking party

This priority for action is intended to Achievements during 2008/09 Milestones for 2009/10 help balance the social, economic and • Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group • Draft framework for the recreational benefits that deer bring to (CDAG) continues to bring land management of wild deer in the the Park with the ecological processes managers, public agencies and Cairngorms National Park in which deer are a natural part.The communities together for Cairngorms National Park Plan • Deer management plans will be information sharing and advice on includes the objective of increasing the complete or in development over deer management value of the deer resource. the whole Park • A number of events have been • Cairngorms National Park venison held to improve public awareness products promoted in schools, and understanding of deer restaurants and the catering management, including: deer industry viewing, venison cookery, deer ecology/management, and work • Best practice methods of habitat with primary schools and the monitoring broadly adopted across Scottish Parliament the Park • Joint agency work on the • The tourism opportunities of wild Cairngorms Special Areas of deer will be further developed Conservation (SAC) is making • Combined impacts of sheep and Roe deer significant progress addressing the deer will be considered in deer effects of deer on designated sites management plans on both • Genetic testing carried out on deer designated and non-designated carcasses to check for sika/red sites deer hybridisation • Joint agency work will continue to • Analysis of social, economic and bring designated sites into environmental effects of deer favourable condition reductions commenced Balancing the social, economic and recreational benefits that deer bring with the ecological processes in which deer are a natural part.

Deer picture by Georgina from Ballater Primary School

Primary schools enjoy The children also got to put on white deer days coats and examine the preparation of carcasses in the deer larder before Primary school children from the attending a cookery demonstration Cairngorms took part in one of two, back at school hosted by Fi Bird of 2-day events that taught them more ‘Stirrin’ Stuff’. about deer in the Cairngorms National Park. Louise Duckworth, head teacher of Ballater Primary School summed it all The first day of one of these events up by saying:“This was one of the was held outside at Balmoral Estate most relevant experiences pupils from and run by the estate, the Deer Ballater have had the privilege to Commission for Scotland and the participate in as deer management Cairngorms National Park Authority. It has such a crucial role in our local was then back to the kitchen for the economy.” second day! Red deer and roe deer are our largest indigenous mammals and are a symbol of natural grace and wildness in the National Park.To see deer behaving naturally in the wild is an unforgettable experience. In light of this, the need to control them can be a difficult concept to grasp. The children learnt that deer are an important part of our natural and cultural heritage, and that they are an important economic resource which needs to be managed.They took part in games which explained the need for deer management and were shown the equipment used for culling and Stag in pine wood extracting deer from the hill.

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 14 15 Providing High Quality Opportunities for Outdoor Access

Outdoor access event, Braemar

This priority for action is intended to • A new path has been built to Milestones for 2009/10 help more people enjoy even higher provide a safe route to school for • The Local Inquiry on the Draft quality outdoor access to benefit their children in Stathdon Core Paths Plan will take place health, wellbeing and understanding of • The Old Logging Way, linking before autumn 2009 the Park. Aviemore to Glenmore was • A programme of upgrading 20 completed and opened by Fergus paths around the Park will Ewing MSP,Minister for Community Achievements during 2008/09 commence in spring 2009 Safety • Draft Core Paths Plan, containing • Upland path works will be • The Scottish Outdoor Access proposals for some 879km of path prioritised through a public Code was promoted throughout submitted to Scottish Ministers for workshop and funding secured to the National Park and a course approval deliver repairs over the next five was delivered for dog owners years • Funding has been secured for about responsible behaviour upgrading the core paths network • A review of funding for the • The Cairngorms Local Outdoor for the next two years Speyside Way will be completed Access Forum was used by CNPA • A new bridge was constructed and others for advice and held an • Guidance for good practice in path across the Gynack River in annual open event in Braemar signs will be published and Kingussie replacing one that has promoted • Guidance for organisers of been closed for the last four years outdoor access events and land • Design guidelines for path leaflets managers has been published and in the Park will be produced is available in both hard copy and • Guidance will be developed to at www.cairngorms.co.uk assist those who wish to promote • The Cairngorms Explorer travel routes within the Park timetable was produced • Health walk schemes will be • The Heather Hopper bus service expanded to cover more operated throughout the summer communities in Badenoch and months linking the east and west of Strathspey the Park • Further health walk schemes have been developed in Tomintoul and Woodland walkers Strathdon Helping more people enjoy even higher quality outdoor access to benefit their health, wellbeing and understanding of the Park.

Northern corries footpath

Old Logging Way Gynack Bridge necessary permissions, and manage the design and construction contracts. A landmark path in one of Scotland’s In 2005, the Gynack Bridge in The bridge and works were most popular areas for recreation was Kingussie was found to be structurally completed in March 2009 and it has the latest addition to the Park’s unsound and was condemned.The already proved popular with the extensive paths network.The new bridge was an important part of the community. 5.5km path linking the communities of path network around Kingussie and Aviemore and Glenmore was there was strong community support As well as replacing the bridge, the completed in the summer of 2008. for it to be replaced.The Kingussie project created a viewing platform and Community Development Company new interpretation panel upstream of The path – named the Old Logging (KCDC) and partner organisations the new bridge.The nearby paths Way – stretches through worked with the Cairngorms Outdoor were also improved to make them Rothiemurchus Estate and benefitted Access Trust (COAT) to secure a accessible to a wider range of people. from the co-operation and support of replacement. The bridge and viewing platform now landowners Johnnie and Philippa provide a unique view of the river and Grant, the CNPA, Scottish Natural KCDC worked hard to secure a underline its historical importance to Heritage, the Highland Council, funding package and COAT was able the community.Together they form a Sustrans and Forestry Commission to complete the budget, secure all the critical part of a much larger Scotland. interpretive trail for the town. Scotland’s Minister for Community Donnie Grant of KCDC said:“It has Safety Fergus Ewing opened the new been really useful to be able to call on path which provides a safe route for an organisation like the Trust to help off-road users such as walkers, us in replacing the bridge and tackling runners, cyclists and horse riders.The major construction projects.The path will also provide other benefits whole community is delighted to see including a better, more even surface the river crossing restored as it has for runners. always been a vital link in the town. We look forward to working with the Trust in the future on other projects.”

Gynack Bridge

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 16 17 Making Tourism and Business More Sustainable

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

This priority for action is intended to • Marketing support and assistance • Ballater (Deeside) and four increase the diversity, vibrancy and for Cairngorms Farmers’ Market communities in Badenoch and sustainability of the economy of the Association Strathspey to complete community Cairngorms National Park. action plans • Aviemore and the Cairngorms DMO led event on ‘Leading • Further development and Achievements during 2008/09 Service Excellence’ expansion of the ‘business barometer’ across the Park • Pilot project initiated using hand- • A tourism industry conference was held technology to capture • Marketing support and business held on ‘Green Places, Green Profit’ feedback from visitors. development provided for • Cairngorms Local Action Group Cairngorms Hostels and Creative • Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms was re-established with new Cairngorms to increase DMO ‘product knowledge learning LEADER programme, securing membership and provide a journey’ pilot project initiated £2.17million European funding for sustainable future the Park and approval of funding • Food and drink related projects for 78 projects Milestones for 2009/10 developed to raise the value of • The range of Cairngorms National • Tourism conference planned for local produce, especially with Park family brands was extended November 2009 visitors to include Creative Cairngorms • Comprehensive visitor survey • Cairngorms Business Partnership • Research study to assess visitor across the Park due for completion developed, providing a focus and payback schemes was by April 2010 lead for the business sector commissioned and completed • Economic survey to compare • Pilot community engagement economic data with previous study project was rolled out across the and highlight areas for potential National Park future action due for completion • Aviemore and the Cairngorms by October 2009 DMO ‘business barometer’ • Launch of first stage of Park web continued to obtain feedback on portal, focussing visitors on the business confidence and future Park intentions • Launch of ‘Brand Pack’ to support • Detailed study was completed to businesses using the Park brand explore options for greater

collaboration and efficiency across Salmon fishing the business community Increasing the diversity, vibrancy and sustainability of the economy of the Cairngorms National Park.

Glenshee Ski Centre

A Collaborative Business should provide a stronger voice and Former chairman of the Cairngorms Model – The Cairngorms better value for money for their Chamber of Commerce Duncan Business Partnership members than they can provide on Mackellar said:“The proposed their own. However, other Cairngorms Business Partnership The Cairngorms Chamber of organisations may find joining more will enable organisations to work in Commerce (CCC) and the difficult to achieve in the short term a complementary way to provide Destination Management and for these reasons, the model for one cohesive and powerful voice for Organisations (DMOs) are the business partnership has been business. It will help increase efficiency enthusiastic partners in the delivery of designed to make progress with a through pooling resources and the Cairngorms National Park Plan. flexible membership. expertise, and prove a powerful Over the last year, the CCC has been mechanism for levering in funding working with the DMOs and other Although the partnership is still in its from public agencies. business groupings in different parts of early development and has challenges the Park to develop a more coherent to overcome, significant effort has so “The current economic situation model for business collaboration and a far been made by the various groups makes it more important than ever stronger overall voice for businesses. involved, and there is real enthusiasm that the private sector works in for taking the proposals further partnership with the public agencies The proposals involve a pooling of the forward.The partnership offers to achieve the common aims of all staff resources of the DMOs and the exciting options for future private- who live and work in the Cairngorms CCC to allow everyone to benefit public sector engagement and the National Park.” from their combined expertise and potential for more efficient and critical mass.Their work would be effective support to the business overseen by a board of directors community across the Park. made up of representatives of the various groups, individuals and organisations to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of all areas and organisations. Bodies representing different areas or business sectors would be able to join the board of directors and pool their funding resources in return for combined activities, or simply buy services directly from the organisation. For some organisations, membership Cairngorms Farmers Market of the wider business partnership

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 18 19 Making Housing More Affordable and Sustainable

Braemar village

This priority for action is intended to Achievements during 2008/09 Milestones for 2009/10 improve access to good quality, • Community needs project • Further community needs sustainably designed and affordable established in Ballater assessment projects, incorporating housing to help maintain sustainable housing needs surveys to be communities in the long-term. • A programme of community needs established across the National projects was established in Several key activities were progressed Park Badenoch and Strathpsey with and completed under this priority Voluntary Action in Badenoch and • Implementation of the action plans during 2008/09 but others will Strathspey agreed with communities to take continue to be relevant and ongoing projects forward though 2009/10 and possibly beyond. • Quick win projects for each of the These include: communities in Grantown-on Spey, • Undertake research to identify the Cromdale and Advie and Dulnain impact of Park housing supply on • Development of the Cairngorms Bridge including improvements to businesses National Park Local Plan and the Dulaig Park and speed indicator Cairngorms National Park • Identify projects which can access devices in Cromdale and Dulnain Sustainable Design Guide; Scottish Government funding or to Bridge increase the supply of affordable • Co-ordination of housing work and • Provision of housing information private rented housing whether for sharing of housing information links through the Park-based renovation or new build between partners; and website • Further activities to promote • Ensuring the Cairngorms National • Two training courses on housing awareness and understanding of Park Plan's priorities are management practice and good sustainable energy efficient housing incorporated in Local Authorities' practice were delivered in design will be identified Strategic Housing Investment Plans partnership with the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association • A sustainable drainage design guide was developed in partnership with the Highland Housing Alliance and the Highland Council • The completion of four low cost home ownership sustainable homes at a former Forestry Commission site at Milehouse, Crested tit Kincraig with the Highland Small Communities Housing Trust Improving access to good quality, sustainably designed, and affordable housing to help maintain sustainable communities in the long-term.

Housing in the Cairngorms National Park

Milehouse affordable housing The new homes are built on land bought by the Trust from the Forestry The Highland Small Communities Commission under the National Housing Trust has led efforts to Forest Land Scheme with the active develop four innovative, affordable support of the Kincraig and Vicinity homes for sale at Milehouse near Community Council, Highland Council, Kincraig.The Trust has continued its CNPA and the Scottish Government. work of providing new affordable homes on sites across the Park, but its The Trust’s new CEO,Tom Hainey, is most significant project of the year has confident that it will be able to play an been the provision of the Milehouse even more positive and innovative homes using the Scottish role in the Cairngorms National Park Government's Rural Home and Highland’s rural communities in Ownership Grants. 2009.“I know that a shortage of affordable and sustainable housing in The homes combine design features rural areas is a particular problem and technical specifications that will across the Cairngorms National Park make them pleasant to live in and and that is why it is so important that efficient to run, as well as minimising we work with public agencies and our impacts on the environment by using other key community and business locally sourced timber, maximising partners to help understand and solar gain and installing wood burning respond to those needs,” he said. stoves.

Affordable housing, near Kincraig

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 20 21 Raising Awareness and Understanding of the Park

Highland dancers

This priority for action is intended to • Learning and Teaching Scotland • National Park pages to be increase awareness of the Cairngorms Conference ‘National Parks as a developed on ‘Glow’ – the national National Park and its special qualities Delivery Tool for the Curriculum school’s intranet – which will throughout the Park and Scotland. It for Excellence’ was held with provide an educational resource will help people to understand and participants from five local for teachers, pupils and parents appreciate why it is special and why it authorities • Launch of the Cairngorms National is managed in particular ways. • Angus Glens Ranger Base opened Park web portal providing to the public comprehensive information about the Park for visitors Achievements during 2008/09 • The widest range of information about the National Park for visitors • Young people from schools in and • 24 Cairngorms Awareness and was published including a around the National Park will Pride courses attracted around revamped ‘What’s On’ monthly produce video films looking at the 400 people to learn about the event guide under the new possible impacts and adaptations to special qualities of the Park management of Aviemore and the climate change on communities in • Interpretation guidance ‘Sharing the Cairngorms Destination the National Park in 2050 Stories of the Cairngorms National Management Organisation • Further use of the panoramic Park’ was published paintings of the National Park to • Inspirational Europarc Junior Milestones for 2009/10 raise awareness of the area Ranger camp held at Glen Tanar including the sale of the paintings Estate • Ranger services work programmes as posters clearly linked to delivering the • 1,886 people completed a John • Production of a DVD about the National Park Plan Muir Award in the Cairngorms special qualities of the National including the 5,000th award since • The family of National Nature Park for use in visitor centres, the project started in 2004 Reserves in the National Park will exhibitions and conferences be better promoted in print and • The BBC ‘Springwatch’ programme on websites to encourage more featured much of the special people to enjoy these special wildlife of the National Park with places support and assistance from many land managers • Education action plans encouraging young people to learn about and • Destination Management experience the National Park will Organisations in the Park launched be developed by five local new websites promoting the area authorities Increasing awareness of the Cairngorms National Park and its special qualities throughout the Park and Scotland.

Avielochan,Aviemore

National Parks and the Europarc Junior Responding to a question about what Curriculum for Excellence Ranger Camp they learned during the week, one Scottish participant wrote,“I realise In September 2008 Learning and In July 2008, Scottish Countryside and understand deeply the need for Teaching Scotland held a conference Rangers Association, Glen Tanar Estate young people to be involved with for teachers and other education and the Cairngorms National Park nature and the environment.” professionals to look at new ways they Authority jointly hosted the annual could use the National Park to Europarc Junior Ranger Camp.Twenty The camp launched the Junior Ranger enthuse, engage and educate pupils. young people from across Europe programme in the Cairngorms which came to Glen Tanar in Deeside along will develop further in 2009. It As a result of the conference, the five with 11 young people from Scotland. connected the Cairngorms local education authorities have programme to the European network developed action plans to encourage The Junior Rangers took part in a so that in future years there will be greater use of the opportunities wide range of activities including hill opportunities for young people from available to pupils living in or close to walking, mountain biking, canoeing, the Cairngorms National Park to visit the National Park.These plans will practical conservation work, and had other protected areas. start to be delivered in 2009, with time to experience a ceilidh and a Aberdeenshire Council’s already Highland Games. During the busy underway. week of activities, the young people were able to make new friends and In the Highland Council area, learn about each others varied Grantown Grammar School has cultures. adopted a flexible timetable for S1 and S2 pupils that allows them to explore some of the special places in the local area by participating in the John Muir Award.

Europarc Junior Ranger Camp

Cairngorms National Park Plan Progress 2008/09 22 23 Uath Lochans

Cairngorms National Park Authority 14 The Square Grantown-on-Spey Moray, PH26 3HG Tel:01479 873535 Fax: 01479 873527 Email: [email protected] www.cairngorms.co.uk

© CNPA 2009.All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-906071-05-9

For a large print version of this publication, please contact the Cairngorms National Park Authority at the above address or telephone 01479 873535.

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