Economic Strategy for the Cairngorms National Park launched

A new economic strategy for the Cairngorms National Park has been launched today (6 October 2015), by the Cairngorms Business Partnership.

View the Cairngorms Economic Strategy

The much anticipated Strategy has been adopted to build on the strengths of the National Park and address some key economic challenges. Developed after extensive consultation, The Cairngorms Economic Strategy aims to support growth of the economy of the Cairngorms National Park by; strengthening existing business sectors, supporting start-ups and diversification, increasing the number of workers employed across the Park and addressing some of the infrastructure challenges such as broadband, mobile coverage, transport and housing.

The Cairngorms Economic Strategy was developed under the leadership of the Cairngorms Economic Forum, led by the Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP) who have the remit to oversee the development and implementation of a pan Park strategy to help businesses and communities thrive.

Commenting on the launch, David Fraser, Chair of the Cairngorms Economic Forum and Board Member of the CBP said: “The Park has a unique rural economy with a particularly strong reliance on tourism. Challenges, which the Cairngorms Economic Strategy will focus on, include; infrastructure, increased logistics costs, gaps in business support and a lack of higher and further education facilities. The strategy will also build on our existing strengths and maximize the significant opportunities that the world renowned Cairngorms National Park brand brings.”

Adding his support, Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) stated: “Today’s launch of an Economic Strategy for the National Park is something I warmly welcome. A robust Economic Strategy is an essential ingredient of the National Park Partnership Plan and I am delighted that this is being led and co-ordinated by the CBP, a private sector organisation. Adopting this framework will maximise opportunities for people living, working in and visiting the Park. It is important that businesses capitalise on the opportunities afforded by our outstanding natural environment and that we all work together to deliver sustainable economic growth.”

Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness and Nairn and Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism added: “I was delighted to be asked to write the foreword to the Economic Strategy and warmly welcome the commitments in the strategy to grow business and support small businesses. The Cairngorms National Park is a unique and special place though it has some economic challenges with average wages 26 per cent below the Scottish national average and house prices some 30 per cent higher. It is essential, therefore, that we see the building of new housing, such as An Camas Mor, so we can provide homes for those who want to build their lives in the Park, work in the Park and care for the Park.”

Mark Tate, Chief Executive of the CBP commented: “As a private sector, member led organisation, the CBP is delighted to be at the heart of the delivery of the Economic Strategy. Our role is to lead and co-ordinate on the delivery of the strategy. We cannot do it alone and we are thrilled to be leading such a strong partnership of private and public sector organisations. That unique and strong collaboration gives me great confidence that we can build on the strengths of the iconic Cairngorms National Park and deliver an even stronger economy for future generations to enjoy in this special place.”