Park Talk – Sandy Bremner

Sandy Bremner, Convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority

It was a magic moment, made all the more special because it came from a village that’s been to hell and back.

It happened during the Ballater Winter Festival. The village was full of festive cheer, buzzing with stalls and kids wearing Santa hats – a stark contrast to the devastating flooding experienced by the community less than ten years ago. The threat of another flood still hangs over the area.

I’d taken a break from the Cairngorms National Park Authority stand to catch up with local representatives. We’ve been working closely with Ballater and Crathie Community Council on the flooding issue.

We were in mid chat when one of them turned to me and said: “The National Park is one of the few things that cheers me up at the moment.” His colleague backed him up.

The reason for this appreciation? They explained that they were grateful for the urgency the Park Authority was demonstrating in bringing together groups that could make a difference. By driving a strategy to hold more water in the River Dee’s upper catchment, the aim is to take the peaks off future floods and ease droughts. Smoothing the river’s flow will mean a lot to local communities, while supporting our endangered species, from Atlantic salmon to freshwater pearl mussels.

Nobody can prevent another massive flood, but we can lessen the impact if we work hard to make landscape-scale change happen. We’re determined to build on work already being delivered by the Park Authority’s partners. By ramping up that effort, we can deliver on the ground.

The appreciation from Ballater was encouraging. And while we’re not complacent, it echoes similar “thanks” from folk around the National Park this year.

We’ve heard from those in the River Spey’s catchment and the Angus Glens who are getting support to tackle similar issues. Others have thanked us for supporting a valued community project at Glenmore.

You’ve probably read about some of the amazing nature conservation work taking place in the National Park. Maybe less so, our determination to support local businesses at a time of big challenges for small firms, working with partners to provide advice and training.

Bringing together hundreds of young people from across the Cairngorms for the largest careers event ever held in the area, highlighting great opportunities on their doorsteps.

Listening carefully to community concerns about the growing threats to their homes, businesses and natural heritage from wildfires, and launching a consultation on the potential for fire management byelaws.

Tackling the nature and climate crisis by restoring peatlands and connecting habitats, while creating jobs. Supporting farmers and crofters through special grants and exploring approaches designed to meet the challenges of the future.

Striving to ensure the Cairngorms is truly a Park for All by expanding our accessible path networks. Boosting our ranger services, giving all ages an insight into our natural wonders.

Making the case relentlessly for national initiatives to tackle the chronic shortage of affordable housing.

The Park Authority, alongside communities and countless partners, has spent the past year delivering at an unprecedented level. Because nothing less will do, and we have the scale and ambition to make a difference.

There is much still to do, but credit to everyone involved in a huge, collective effort over the past 12 months.