Board Meeting - September 2021

This document contains a notice for the Cairngorms National Park Authority meeting to be held on 10 September 2021 via video conferencing. The Formal Board Meeting will be at 10am, and the Audit & Risk Committee will meet at 2pm. The Formal Board meeting will be live streamed and can be viewed online, and the agenda and papers will be available the Friday before the meeting on the National Park Authority website.

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board meeting on 10 September 2021. The meeting will be held via video conferencing. Agenda items include welcome, apologies, declarations of interest, approval of minutes from previous meetings, matters arising, and a report from the chief executive officer (CEO). There will be a discussion on the National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP) 2017–2022 progress report. Decisions will be made on the board elections update and a proposal to sign the Tourism Declares Initiative. A draft of the NPPP 2022-2027 will also be up for decision. The agenda also includes any other business (AOB), and confirmation of the date and venue for the next meeting, scheduled for 26 November 2021.

This document contains draft minutes from the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board meeting held on 28 May 2021 via video conference. Attendees included board members, the chief executive, and other staff. Key discussion points included a review of the draft Governance Responsibility Statement, with suggestions for amendments such as adding a glossary of terms and clarifying wording. The Board also discussed and approved the terms of reference for new Board Committees, the process for electing the Board Convener, and the Audit & Risk Committee report. Finally, a member suggested a public warning about ticks and sheep scaring, and the next formal Board meeting was scheduled for 11 June 2021.

This document contains the draft minutes of the Cairngorms National Park Authority board meeting held on 11 June 2021. Attendees included board members, the chief executive, and directors. The meeting covered a range of topics, including updates on action points from previous meetings, declarations of interest, and the Chief Executive Officer's (CEO) report. Discussions were had regarding the Strategic Risk Management and Monitoring Corporate Performance, the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan, the Green Recovery Plan and the Cairngorm Estate Masterplan. The board also discussed changes to standing orders for committee chair elections and set the date for the next meeting on 10 September 2021.

This document contains a CEO report from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) to highlight the main areas of work being directed by the management team in order to deliver the aspirations of the National Park Partnership Plan. The report covers conservation efforts such as freshwater restoration projects, protection of rare species like the pine hoverfly and capercaillie, and woodland creation and peatland restoration initiatives. Additionally, it discusses visitor experiences through improvements to outdoor access, long distance routes, and the work of the Cairngorms Rangers. Furthermore, the report addresses rural development with updates on the Local Development Plan 2021, community-led housing delivery, economic and tourism action plans. The report also covers stakeholder engagement, communications, and organizational development, including staff updates and business continuity planning.

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP) 2017-2022, outlining the progress for the year 2020/21. The NPPP, approved by Scottish Ministers, serves as the management plan for the Cairngorms National Park and coordinates efforts to address key issues. It provides strategic direction for five strategies and plans, supported by partnerships. While the NPPP is broadly on track, COVID-19 has impacted delivery across all areas, causing delays due to restrictions, contractor availability, and supply chain issues. Key achievements include attracting £12.5 million for the Heritage Horizons Fund, exceeding woodland expansion targets, developing a permanent Ranger Service, approving the Local Development Plan to support affordable housing, and creating the Cairngorms Green Recovery Plan. Certain areas, such as peatland restoration, low ground deer counts, wildlife crime, and support for the Association of Cairngorms Communities (AoCC), are flagged as "red" risk in delivery status.

This document contains an overview of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (Park Authority) programme delivery for conservation. It outlines priorities like landscape-scale conservation, deer management, and moorland management, and also addresses visitor experience and rural development. It details actions, key work areas, five-year outcomes, milestones, and notes on progress from 2019 to 2021. The document assesses whether the Park Authority is on track to meet its goals and identifies areas needing improvement or adjustment.

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms National Park Authority board elections from 10 September 2021. Xander McDade was re-elected as Board Convener from 1 October 2021, for a 3 year term. The nominations for the position of Chair of these Committees were invited. Deirdre Falconer was elected as Chair of the Resources Committee, Judith Webb Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee from 12 June 2021, and William Munro was elected as Chair of the Performance Committee from 2 July 2021. There was also an election of Vice-Chairs to the Board's Committees on 13 August 2021, Carolyn Caddick was elected as Vice-Chair of the Resources Committee, Doug McAdam was elected as Vice-Chair of the Performance Committee, and Fiona McLean was elected at Vice-Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. The document also outlines the process and timetable for the election of the Planning Committee Deputy-Convener, with the board asked to agree to this timetable.

This document contains a proposal for the Cairngorms National Park Authority to sign the Tourism Declares initiative, which is a commitment to taking action on climate change within the tourism industry. The document, dated 10 September 2021, explains the background and reasons for signing, highlighting how it aligns with the Park's goals to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 and complements the upcoming National Park Partnership Plan. It notes that the Cairngorms Tourism Partnership and the Cairngorms Business Partnership support the proposal, and signing the declaration would demonstrate leadership in sustainable tourism and involve a pledge to cut carbon emissions, create a climate action plan, share progress, work together, and advocate for change.

This document contains a confidential formal board paper from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority), dated 10 September 2021, regarding the National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP) 2022-2027 draft for consultation. The paper asks the Park Authority board to agree to consult on the draft NPPP from 23 September to 17 December 2021. The NPPP sets out how those responsible for the National Park will coordinate their work to address key issues, based on four aims set by Scottish Parliament. The development of the NPPP has involved significant stakeholder input and informal consultation, with findings presented from surveys and social media engagement, which has seen positive user response. The formal consultation will be supported by evidence papers and statutory assessments, with the next steps including launching the formal consultation, analyzing feedback, and finalizing the Plan for sign-off by Scottish Ministers in June 2022.

This document contains an overview of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (CNPA) Partnership Plan for 2022-2027, highlighting the importance of managing the park's future in light of the climate emergency, nature crisis, and recovery from Covid-19. The plan aims for the park to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045, conserve and enhance its natural and cultural heritage, promote sustainable use of resources, and support economic and social development for local communities, detailing long-term objectives and specific actions. Key areas of focus include nature conservation, community support, sustainable tourism, housing, and transport. The plan emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including government bodies, private organizations, and local communities, to ensure the park thrives for both nature and people, also considering the implications of leaving the European Union, and incorporating citizen well-being and fair economic development.