Land Posts approved to support Scottish Rural Development Programme in Cairngorms

THE Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has given the go ahead to recruit two new land management support officers at its most recent board meeting.

The posts will help land-based businesses in the Cairngorms National Park generate high quality applications through the Scottish Government’s £1.6billion Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) which will offer support for economic, environmental and social projects and work in rural communities between 2008 and 2013.

Funding for the programme will primarily be delivered through the Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities, the LEADER initiative and the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme. Applications will be assessed on how they will meet national and regional priorities.

Alastair Maclennan, a CNPA board member, said: “These posts that will be advertised shortly have been created to help land managers, rural businesses and communities within the National Park make the best of the new programme right from the start. In partnership with other public bodies, we are also encouraging these groups to come along to two imminent information sessions that explain the SRDP in more detail.”

These include an overview of the programme and eligibility criteria as well as useful information about the application process. The sessions take place on Thursday 31st January at the Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, from 7pm and on Thursday 7th February at the Glen Lui Hotel, Ballater from 7pm.

CNPA board member Eleanor Mackintosh said: “The CNPA is taking a proactive role in getting the most out of this programme of funding for the National Park and these posts will help develop relationships with land managers at a practical level.

“The new SRDP will also be crucial in helping to deliver many of the actions within the Cairngorms National Park Plan – a document which sets out the Park’s short and long term future.”

It is expected that the two new land management support officer posts will be filled by April 2008. For more information on the public meetings call Fiona Chalmers on 01479 870524 or email [email protected] To book a place please contact Sam Masson on 01479 870535/573 or e-mail: [email protected]