The future economic development of the Cairngorms National Park is the focus of a consultation which gets underway this week, with a view to developing an Economic Development Plan for the Park.
The consultation is in response to local businesses seeking to have a strategy for economic development and job creation sitting beside the other strategies that make up the National Park Partnership Plan.
The Cairngorms Economic Forum, led by the Cairngorms Business Partnership, is asking the business community – and indeed anyone with an interest to contribute to the consultation.
The aim of the Cairngorms Economic Development Plan is to put the economy at the heart of planning the future of the Cairngorms National Park.The Draft Strategy hopes to build on the current strengths of the Park’s economy through support for small and large businesses and attracting new investment and jobs to the area so broadening the economic base of the National Park.
Chair of the Cairngorms Economic Forum, David Fraser explained: “The business community in the Cairngorms National Park is really keen to see an effective development Plan for the entire Park that recognises local priorities and to do this, we need as much input as possible across a wide range of sectors and interests so we would urge anyone with an interest to get involved with the consultation in the coming weeks. It’s a great opportunity to ensure that we have a healthy and robust economy in the Cairngorms National Park going forward.”
Alan Rankin, chief executive of the Cairngorms Business Partnership added: “We will be encouraging all businesses to take part in the consultation, which will shape the economic and social development of the Cairngorms National Park for years to come. The Cairngorms National Park is a truly special place for nature, it is one of Scotland’s most iconic areas and one that has supported business for generations. The final strategy will lay the foundations of our future economy, job creation and investment opportunities. “
The consultation starts on Tuesday 4th March to Monday 7th April involves answering set questions based on a draft strategy. The survey can be accessed at www.visitcairngorms.com/surveys