Communities
Communities and the people living in them are central to the vibrancy and success of the National Park. People make a place, and the communities of the Cairngorms are no exception.
Over 18,000 people live in the National Park, spread across five local authority areas and over 20 distinct communities. From Atholl in the south to Grantown-on-Spey in the north, Laggan in the west to Ballater and Strathdon in the east, each of these communities have their own distinct character and identity. What unites them is a pride in their local area and a commitment to deliver on the ground.
According to our residents survey, over 40% of residents volunteer in person, either occasionally or regularly. Whether it's social enterprise, voluntary organisations or community development organisations, each community in the National Park has a thriving third sector and everyone who wants to play their part is welcome.
Related
Community action planning
Community action planning helps communities in the Cairngorms National Park identify their own priorities and tackle the issues which are important to them.
Community managed climate grants
Helping achieve net zero and wellbeing economy targets by giving communities the power to define, design, fund and deliver projects that matter most to them.
Explore the communities of the Cairngorms
Community advice and support
If you are looking to get more involved in your local community - or are a community group in need of support - there are a number of organisations that can help. The Park Authority supports communities directly, as well as supporting intermediaries in the sector to help communities achieve their ambitions. The following organisations can offer advice and support on a range of community development issues including governance, finance, project planning, training and fundraising.
Marr Area Partnership (MAP)
The Park Authority supports the Marr Area Partnership (MAP) to encourage and enable the economic, environmental and social future of the Marr Area of Aberdeenshire, by supporting communities to achieve and maintain sustainable development. The partnership provides a weekly newsletter, small funding pots and signposting for larger grants, and help with expanding community projects covering the eastern Cairngorms, including parts of Aberdeenshire, Angus and Glenshee.
Get in touch
If you would like to find out more:
- Visit the Marr Area Partnership website
- Email [email protected]
Voluntary Action Badenoch and Strathspey (VABS)
The Park Authority supports Voluntary Action Badenoch and Strathspey (VABS) to engage with communities, social enterprises and third sector organisations and offer a range of advice and expertise. From information on setting up and running an organisation to funding support, all stages of community development are supported for people in Badenoch and Strathspey and Highland Perthshire.
Get in touch
If you would like to find out more:
Cairngorms Trust
The Cairngorms Trust is a registered charity working in the Cairngorms National Park which offers grants to community led initiatives within the Cairngorms National Park. By providing grants, advice, and resources, the Trust helps communities to thrive while promoting sustainable practices. Their initiatives aim to boost the local economy, create jobs, and preserve the natural beauty of the park.
Get in touch
If you would like to find out more:
- Visit the Cairngorms Trust website
- Email [email protected]
Park Authority Communities and Rural Development team
The Park Authority works with various partners, local organisations and groups to support people in the local area. This includes community councils and community development organisations, supporting and empowering residents to take action on the issues that matter to them, and have real influence. This may be a one off project or for longer term aspirations such as developing an income generating asset or community owned housing.
The Community Empowerment Act is a law that has had a big impact on local areas and what they can achieve, through the powers it brought to communities, and the duties placed on local authorities, including the Park Authority.
These include:
- Participation requests that provide a mechanism for community bodies to put forward their ideas for how services could be changed to improve outcomes for their community.
- Community rights to buy which is the right for a local community to register an interest in the land, then if the land comes up for sale, they have the first option to purchase it. It also allows communities to buy abandoned or neglected land where the owner is not willing to sell and has special provisions for crofting communities. This can help communities to take action to address potential adverse or harmful effects on their wellbeing and improve their local environment.
- Asset transfer requests that give communities a right to request to purchase, lease, manage or use land and buildings belonging to local authorities, public bodies or the Scottish Government.
Our rural development and communities team are available to provide advice and guidance on the above, and on local support and resources. Please title your email ‘asset transfer’ or ‘participation request’ if your contact relates to either of these provisions of the Community Empowerment Act, to help us ensure we handle your request appropriately.
Get in touch
For advice on local support and resources, please email our Rural Development team on [email protected]