Head Ranger to chair Access Forum

Eric Baird has been elected to take up the Chair as Convener of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (CLOAF).

As Head Ranger of Glen Tanar Estate, where he has worked for nearly three decades, and a former board member of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Eric already has an in depth knowledge of the Cairngorms National Park. He also brings with him a vast range of experience from his other positions as Vice Chair of Inclusive Cairngorms, Chair of the Macaulay Development Trust and a Member of Council of EUROPARC.

Eric said: ‘We are fortunate to share a place like the Cairngorms National Park. I am especially fortunate to live and work in Glen Tanar on Royal Deeside. Here, we have the best that Scotland has to offer in scenery, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.

“The access forum has a crucial role in ensuring we can all continue to enjoy the special qualities of the area, whilst ensuring that these qualities are conserved for future generations. It is a privilege to work with such a committed group of people as form the Forum, and our colleagues on the National Park Authority.”

Two of the key areas of work that the CLOAF will be providing advice on in the next few months will be the completion of the Core Path Plan Review and the development of the Capercaillie Framework, as well as the ongoing promotion of responsible access.