The first resident and worker survey has revealed that four in five people are proud to live and work in the Cairngorms, while 59% of people believe National Park status has had a positive impact on the area.

The Park Authority commissioned the survey from independent market research firm M.E.L Research to find out about residents and workers, their interests and behaviours, and their attitudes on the National Park. 

A total of 1,357 responses were received from every community in the National Park, with the results benchmarked against census data to ensure the results are as representative as possible of the resident population.

People noted a high level of satisfaction on work happening in the National Park to preserve cultural heritage, reduce wildfire risk and protect wildlife and habitat. The survey also highlighted areas where satisfaction is lower, showing people's concerns about their ability to access affordable housing.

• 82% said they are proud to live and work in the Cairngorms National Park (13% disagreed)
• 79% said they were paid the Real Living Wage or above (14% were not)
• 89% said living in the National Park has a positive impact on their physical health (5% disagreed) and 82% said it had a positive impact on their mental health (8% disagreed)
• More than 40% said they volunteer regularly
• Two thirds (69%) walk at least once a week, and 23% cycle

The survey also asked questions on housing and jobs, with results showing that 60% of people found it hard to find an affordable place to live. Whilst a quarter of people said they found no barriers to finding work, 55% said they found it difficult, with one of the main challenges in finding a suitable job being access to local housing.

The current Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan sets out a range of targets to address these challenges, which are prevalent throughout rural Scotland. These complex issues require collaboration between organisations including Scottish Government, local councils, housing associations and the Park Authority.

One of the key Partnership Plan targets is that by 2030, 75% of new housing is for social rental, mid-market rental or other affordable categories. Between 2020 and 2023, 400 new homes were delivered in the National Park, of which approximately 30% were affordable. In addition, affordable and mid-market rent housing in Carrbridge, Dulnain Bridge, Kingussie and Aviemore through Highland Council’s affordable housing delivery programme was delivered. So, whilst there has been strong progress in this area, there is a constant need for more affordable housing in most communities of the National Park.

Sandy Bremner, Convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “I was delighted to see the results of the first resident and worker survey for the Cairngorms National Park, which show an incredibly strong sense of community and pride in where we live and work. It is heartening to see that three in five of those who responded believe that National Park designation has had a positive impact on the area.

“Increasing affordable housing remains the greatest need. We've already set out a number of measures in our Partnership Plan but are well aware that more needs to be done. We're committed to working closely with a range of partners - from Scottish Government to local councils and community housing trusts - to make meaningful progress on this issue.”

Grant Moir, Chief Executive at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “I’d like to thank all those who participated in the first resident and worker survey. The insights highlight just how proud, community-minded and committed the people who live and work here are. It was great to see representation from every community. This is important in understanding what is working well and what needs to be improved in each village and town and indeed, across the National Park. 

“Whilst it's encouraging to see progress being made in many areas that affect the people who live and work here, we know there is still much to do to tackle the challenges reflected in the survey. Supporting young people to stay and work in the National Park and delivering increased affordable housing are crucial. 

"Our aims are ambitious, but we are confident they are achievable through a huge team effort from residents, workers and the many partners we work alongside.”

The resident and worker survey ran for six months from July 2024 to January 2025 and will now be carried out every two years to help us track how things develop and change over time.

View the full survey results

Resident and worker survey results - 2024-25

Resident and worker survey main report - Apr 2025

HTML version

Download PDF

This document contains a summary of a 2024-2025 survey conducted by M·E·L Research for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, or Park Authority, aiming to capture the sentiments and experiences of residents and workers within the Cairngorms National Park, or National Park. The survey, distributed online, gathered 1,294 responses from residents and 63 from those living outside the National Park. Key topics explored include demographic information, employment and economic wellbeing, housing, local facilities and transport, wellbeing and social isolation, community involvement, attitudes towards the National Park, and reflections on the Park Authority. The survey results provide insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by those living and working in the National Park, offering a baseline for future assessments.

Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

Resident and worker survey - raw data - Apr 2025

HTML version

Download PDF

This document contains raw data from a survey of residents and employees of the Cairngorms National Park, which took place between July 2024 and January 2025.

Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.