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Cairngorms

Partnership to manage one of Scotland’s ‘must see’ destinations in heart of Cairngorms National Park

21st March 2014

Public agencies are coming together to make the most of one of Scotland’s most iconic places at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Cairngorm Mountain and Glenmore Forest Park are, together with neighbouring Rothiemurchus, one of the most visited destinations in Scotland, attracting 1.4 million visits annually.

Now five organisations have announced a new partnership to develop a co-ordinated management plan for the publicly owned land at Cairngorm Mountain & Estate and Glenmore Forest Park. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and The Highland Council will work with private sector businesses and local communities to map out the future for this important place. A new masterplan will set out plans to deliver a world-class visitor experience, protect and enhance the outstanding nature and landscape and boost the tourism economy.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Cairngorm and Glenmore is a jewel in the crown for Scotland, somewhere people can enjoy the best of our outstanding natural environment. Working together to manage the land is extremely important and brings together public and private landowners, businesses and local communities. This very welcome partnership will help deliver an exemplar of sustainable development at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.”

Duncan Bryden, Convenor of the CNPA said “This is a great example of the collaboration needed to make the most of the Cairngorms National Park for visitors, businesses and residents. Cairngorm and Glenmore is the most visited destination in the National Park with its richness of recreational opportunities, wildlife and landscape experiences. By working together we can deliver a shared long term vision for this special place.”

Charlotte Wright, Director of Business and Sector Development with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: “As an area of outstanding natural beauty which boasts several award winning visitor attractions, Cairngorm and Glenmore is already a hugely popular destination with the potential to develop further. The Cairngorm Mountain railway is unique in Scotland, and snowsports enthusiasts are currently enjoying a fantastic season there. As the owner of the resort, a priority for HIE in the coming years will be to work with the new operator to ensure we continue to develop the business and maximise the benefits it will generate as an important driver of the local economy.”

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry welcomed the new partnership, he said: “Our local members of the Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee have given their unanimous support towards the Cairngorm and Glenmore Partnership. Members of The Highland Council will also be asked to give their approval for the draft Partnership Agreement which will assist the Council in delivering its Programme commitment for the economy and environment.”