Across the Cairngorms National Park, Landscape Character Areas have been identified which reflect the distinct pattern of landscape characteristics such as landform, vegetation, built elements and the scale of spaces.

Identification of landscape character follows the approach of the European Landscape Convention, recognising that all landscapes are distinctive and important for different reasons. Open the document below for a report including maps and descriptions of the Cairngorms Landscape Character Areas

Landscape character changes over time, reflecting the relationship between physical, cultural and social factors. Landscape change is not necessarily good or bad. What is most important is that new developments or land uses are located and designed to be 'in character' with the Cairngorms landscape. This in turn helps reinforce the distinctiveness of the National Park landscape.

At a broader level, the Cairngorm Landscape Character Areas fit within a framework of Landscape Character Types which have been drawn-up by NatureScot to extend across Scotland. It is helpful to refer to these if a proposal crosses or is located near the boundary of the National Park.

Where a proposed change is likely to result in significant effects to landscape character, a ‘Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’ should be carried out. This is a standard, technical process usually carried out by landscape architects, informed by the Landscape Institute and IEMA Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2013, 3rd edition).