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CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY 
Paper 2 Annex 2 08/04/05 

Our Vision 

1. Our vision is a National Park which inspires residents and visitors alike, a place in 
which the outstanding environment is enhanced and enjoyed by all and in which 
thriving communities create opportunities for all. It is a Park that is recognised 
locally and beyond for its special qualities, its innovative approach and as a national 
asset. 

2. It is a Park where future generations will understand and enjoy the special qualities 
that underpin the area’s national importance, local economy and its appeal to residents 
and visitors. This means understanding and managing the interaction between the 
landscape and wildlife of the mountains, forests, rivers, lochs and farmland, together 
with the tourism and recreation, and the needs of communities. 

3. It is a Park in which local residents feel a sense of pride, shared purpose and 
enthusiasm; take an active role in shaping its future; and in which they are able to 
enjoy living and working and fulfil their ambitions. 

4. It is a Park which celebrates its history and future and takes a lead in the nation; 
which embraces change, looks beyond its boundaries and is open to innovative ideas. 
It is a Park where everyone takes responsibility for managing its resources effectively 
to sustain its special qualities and to benefit local communities and the nation. 

5. Above all, it is a Park in which the wide diversity of communities and organisations 
can work together through openness, trust and mutual respect to conserve, enhance 
and promote all that makes this place special; while always looking ahead to create an 
inspiring and successful place to live, work and visit. 

6. In particular, our aspirations include: 


Conserving and Enhancing the Park 

7. It will be a Park which conserves and enhances the natural and cultural resources 
which underpin its special nature, much of its economy and its appeal to residents and 
visitors. This will include conserving and enhancing the landscapes, habitats and 
species, geological and archaeological sites and built heritage that are of local, 
national and international importance. 

8. This will mean a Park in which the scale and interaction of ecological processes is 
recognised; where places are valued and enjoyed for the sense of wildness they offer; 
where all forms of pollution are minimised and where human development 
contributes to, not detracts from, conserving and enhancing these qualities. 

9. This will mean a Park in which residents, businesses, visitors and organisations all 
contribute to conserving and enhancing the area; where there is a productive and 
integrated land management sector which successfully delivers private and business 
objectives and public benefits; and where visitors, residents and managers act 
responsibly, understand the special nature of the Cairngorms and their responsibilities 
to the land, wildlife and to each other. 


Communities Living and Working in the Park 

10. It will be a Park in which thriving and inclusive communities help to sustain, and are 
in turn sustained by, the special natural and cultural qualities of the Cairngorms. 

11. This will mean communities in which all sections of the population can find housing, 
education and training, employment and services that meet their needs; in which the 
special qualities of the Park stimulate economic activity rather than constrain it; where 
local businesses can flourish; where good transport and communications connect 
people within and beyond the Park; and development contributes to the area through 
sensitive and efficient design. 

12. This will mean strong and effective communities taking an active role in the 
management of the Park, confident to share their ideas, experience, culture and 
heritage with the nation. 

13. This will mean everyone taking a responsibility to use the Park’s resources carefully, 
with an eye to what future generations will need and to the impact of our current use. 


Understanding and Enjoying the Park 

14. It will be a Park where both residents and visitors enjoy and in turn support its special 
qualities in many different ways; where there is a wide range of outdoor access 
opportunities on both land and water available to all; where visitors and residents 
alike can learn about their surroundings, enjoy a high quality experience and tell 
others of the fun to be had in this special place. 

15. This will mean a Park that provides information and interpretation engaging to all 
ages, abilities and interests and which fosters a spirit of caring for this special place; 
where local people are well informed about the area and enthusiastic to communicate 
their knowledge; where there are diverse opportunities to access the countryside for 
fun, sport and healthy living; and where all those living, working and visiting the Park 
will recognise the others’ needs and their interdependence and act accordingly.