The Cairngorms National Park Authority board met today at Victoria Halls, Ballater, where members reviewed progress on the Cairngorms 2030 Communities Fund and considered the mid-point report on the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan.

Members heard about the development of a new Cairngorms 2030 Communities Fund, which is on track to open for applications in summer 2026. The £1 million fund has been co-designed by a panel of people who live in or have a close connection to the National Park, and who have designed the fund over a series of nine meetings since March.

The Board also noted progress against the Cairngorms Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan, produced in 2023 to guide investment from VisitScotland’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund and partner programmes. Delivery to date includes:

• Completion of the expanded Loch Morlich beach car park, part-funded by the Park Authority.
• Safety and landscaping upgrades at the ‘Still’ and ‘The Watchers’ art installations on the SnowRoads, with works taking place this summer.
• A new Ballater transport hub being delivered with NESTRANS and Aberdeenshire Council.
• Continued improvements to the Old Logging Way active travel route at Glenmore.
• An expanded electric vehicle charge point network at Glenmore, Nethy Bridge and Carrbridge, supported by National Parks UK sponsorship.

Sandy Bremner, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “Today’s decisions show the breadth of what is being delivered in the Cairngorms National Park. From a £1 million fund that puts communities firmly in the driving seat, to partner-led investment that is making it easier and greener to get around the National Park.”

The full suite of board meeting papers can be found on the meetings page of the Park Authority website.