Board Meeting - December 2019

This document contains the agenda for a Cairngorms National Park Authority board meeting on 6 December 2019, held in Grantown on Spey. The meeting included welcomes, apologies, approval of minutes from a previous meeting, and discussions on various topics such as a CEO report, a net-zero plan for the park, an economic action plan, and the adoption of a place principal. Decisions were also made regarding the park's strategic risk management and monitoring corporate performance, as well as the review of planning committee standing orders. The agenda also listed the date and venue for the next meeting, scheduled for 27 March 2020.

This document contains the draft minutes from a Cairngorms National Park Authority board meeting held on 20 September 2019. The meeting covered various topics, including the approval of minutes from previous meetings, updates on action points, a review of planning committee standing orders, a CEO report highlighting various projects and initiatives (such as the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project and the Speyside Way Spur opening), and discussions around visitor surveys and the Cairngorms Youth Action group. The board also reviewed the Audit and Risk Committee's annual report and discussed board members' responsibilities. The meeting concluded with the scheduling of the next board meeting for 6 December 2019.

This document contains a report from the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Chief Executive, covering the period up to 6 December 2019. The report highlights key strategic areas, including conservation projects like the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan and the Capercaillie Project, focusing on community involvement and habitat restoration. Landscape partnerships, such as the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Landscape Partnership, are also discussed, along with progress updates on various initiatives including long-distance routes, active travel improvements, and volunteer programs. The report also includes details on deer management, visitor experience, and stakeholder engagement. Finally, it provides updates on organizational development, including staffing changes and the launch of new initiatives, such as Cairngorms Youth Action.

This document contains a proposal from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) on how to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, in line with Scottish Government targets. The plan highlights the global climate emergency and the need for significant changes to reduce emissions and transform the economy. Four recommendations are proposed: identifying the climate emergency as a top priority; making it a central theme in the next National Park Partnership Plan; setting a realistic date to achieve zero direct emissions; and discussing net-zero strategies with young people. The document also details current and future work within the park, such as peatland restoration and woodland creation, to help meet these goals, while acknowledging the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change. A conference is planned to discuss these issues further.

This document contains a summary assessment of snow cover and climate change in the Cairngorms National Park. Scientists studied historical weather data and used climate models to predict future snow cover. They found a clear decrease in snow cover since 1969, linked to rising temperatures. Future projections show this trend continuing and accelerating, with significantly less snow expected after 2030, particularly at lower elevations. However, there will be year-to-year variations, and some years may experience similar or slightly greater snow cover than in the past. The study also discusses the potential impacts of reduced snow cover on the park's ecology and hydrology. Further research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between weather and snow cover, and to refine future projections.

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Economic Action Plan 2019-2022. Following a public consultation from June to September 2019, the plan was updated to reflect feedback. Key changes include a stronger focus on the importance of towns and villages, climate change, and the need to invest in natural capital. The plan also includes new actions on short-term lets, promoting collaboration between businesses and the environment, and supporting community-led development. The Cairngorms National Park Authority board will consider its resource allocation for the plan in March 2020.

This document contains a summary of a summer engagement programme by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA). The CNPA spent seven days meeting with businesses and local leaders across the park. Common issues included a lack of worker housing, transport difficulties, challenges in the winter tourism season, and difficulties securing funding and investment for small businesses. Other concerns included the changing expectations of young people, poor digital connectivity in rural areas, and a need for better support for very small businesses. The overall aim was to understand the needs of the park and find solutions to ensure its long-term economic success.

This document contains a summary of consultation responses regarding the Cairngorms National Park’s Economic Action Plan (2019-2022). Twenty-one written responses were received and analyzed, focusing on three key questions. The feedback highlighted the need for a more diverse economy, less reliant on tourism alone, and suggested improvements to visitor facilities. Concerns about housing shortages, the impact of climate change, and the need for better support for local businesses were also raised. Many respondents emphasized the importance of a sustainable approach to economic development, incorporating natural heritage and community needs. Finally, the need for clearer action plans, improved data collection, and better collaboration amongst stakeholders was underscored.

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Economic Action Plan 2019-2022. The plan aims to grow the park's economy sustainably while protecting its natural environment. It focuses on five priority themes: building on existing economic strengths, supporting and attracting businesses, improving education and skills, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening community and enterprise. The plan considers various challenges, such as housing shortages, Brexit's impact, and climate change, and highlights ongoing projects and investments to achieve its goals. Multiple agencies and organizations are working together to achieve the plan's aims, with regular monitoring and reporting to the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

This document contains a proposal for the Cairngorms National Park Authority to adopt the Place Principle. The Place Principle, developed by the Scottish Government, encourages collaboration between organisations and communities to improve places. The document highlights that the Cairngorms National Park Authority already uses a place-based approach in many of its projects and planning, and adopting this principle formally would align with existing practices. The adoption will be confirmed to the Scottish Government, and the Park Authority plans to share its experience with others.

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms National Park Authority's performance from 2018 to 2022, focusing on its Corporate Plan. It highlights progress against key performance indicators, noting any significant challenges or risks. The document also presents the latest Strategic Risk Register, which has been reviewed by the management team and the Audit and Risk Committee. The Board is asked to review this information, identify any significant achievements or exceptions, and assess the risk register's completeness and mitigation strategies. The update includes information on conservation and land management, visitor experience, rural development, and communications, with highlights and exceptions reported for each area. Finally, it discusses the implementation of a corporate performance monitoring system and its success measures.

This document contains a report on the Cairngorms National Park Authority's progress in 2019. It covers several key areas including conservation efforts focused on expanding native woodlands and restoring peatlands, managing deer populations to support these goals, promoting sustainable moorland management, and improving visitor experiences. The report also details progress on community engagement projects, infrastructure development, and initiatives to increase physical activity. Finally, it highlights achievements in organizational development, communications and engagement.

This document contains a report from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) from December 2019, outlining progress on various key performance indicators (KPIs). The report covers conservation and land use, showing mixed results – significant woodland creation but challenges in peatland restoration. Deer numbers are improving but still need attention in some areas. Capercaillie numbers remain unchanged, and wildlife crime remains a concern. Visitor experience improvements have been made, with new and upgraded paths added. The economic impact of tourism has decreased slightly. Positive progress was made in several areas of rural development, including affordable housing and community projects. The report also details staff numbers, absences, and complaints, with mostly positive results across the board, and shows that CNPA's carbon emissions are decreasing, although slightly above targets. Finally, work towards equal pay continues.

This document contains a strategic risk register for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, detailing various risks and proposed mitigation strategies. The register categorizes risks across several areas, including resource allocation, governance, policy changes, and project resourcing, addressing challenges related to funding, staffing, and reputation. The document highlights ongoing efforts to secure funding, improve internal processes, and manage relationships with stakeholders and partners to mitigate risks. Several risks show improvement throughout the year, and while some remain, they are being actively monitored and addressed.

This document contains a proposal to slightly change the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Planning Committee Standing Orders. The change clarifies how people can speak at committee meetings. Previously, the wording could be misunderstood to allow speaking without a prior written submission. The proposed amendment makes it clear that speaking is only to reinforce an existing written submission. The Cairngorms National Park Authority's board is asked to approve this minor change, which was already agreed to by the Planning Committee on 11 October 2019.