WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you should refer to the pdf version of this document. Cairngorms National Park Core Paths Plan Consultation and Engagement Process – Stage 2 Public Consultation Meeting – Boat of Garten Date: Tuesday 1st of May 2007 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Village Hall Location: Boat of Garten No. Attending: 12 Introduction This report details the feedback obtained at a public meeting where people were asked to give their views on the Interim Draft Core Paths Plan. Summary During the meeting the following issues were raised: • Legislative duties The issue was raised that the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 states the CNPA only has a duty to draw up the plan but not implement it. The CNPA takes a more positive view on this and will work with partners to implement the plan by 2010. As most of the paths already exist the early stages of implementation are most likely to be ensuring that all of the paths are fit for purpose and free from obstruction and well promoted. • Funding and maintenance The issue was raised that the Interim Draft Plan proposes a number of new paths that don’t exist on the ground this is of concern to land owners because they will require funding and maintenance. In the final approved plan post spring 2008 resources both one off construction (capital) costs and ongoing maintenance (revenue) costs will have to be found. The CNPA will support through grant aiding the capital costs and will looking to resolve through existing schemes such as Land Management Contracts or path sponsorship the ongoing revenue costs. • Catering for different needs Clarification was sought as to whether all core paths have to be to a high standard for example catering for all abilities. The network must provide opportunity for everybody but the paths that make up the network can be anything from a grass track to a tarmac cycle path. • Defining the extent of the network Boat of Garten has 12 proposed core paths the question posed was must those 12 paths cater for everybody from horses to pushchairs. The core path network is about providing opportunity for all users either by providing the paths themselves or providing access to the wider network that caters for those needs. This has to be achieved across the network rather than in each individual community. Is the proposed core paths network sufficient to give you reasonable access throughout the area? (Not available in full text format) Overall, attendees were happy with the sufficiency of the network, there was issues raised about two paths and the feasibility of developing them. The CNPA will be speaking to those involved to discuss further options. All comments made on maps and diagrams at the event have been recorded in Annex 1. Next Steps The comments and issues raised at this meeting will inform revisions to the Interim Draft Core Paths Plan as part of the wider consultation process. A revised version will be considered by the CNPA Board in December 2007 and the revised Plan will then be submitted to Scottish Ministers in February 2008. Cairngorms National Park Authority 2nd May 2007 adamstreetersmith@cairngorms.co.uk Annex 1 Comments made on maps and diagrams are shown below and have been recorded exactly as written by participants: H Diagram What is good about it? • Maps are reasonably clear • Good to see links between communities What is bad about it? • Too many paths will unfortunately attract vandalism, at area around Milton Loch, Bird Hide How could it be improved? • Definitions of usage/type and signage will be necessary Map comments Boat of Garten map • Area to north of village- Too much disturbance by dogs in wader habitat • LBS65- Concerns: 1. Damp ground 2x wells and springs 2. Upkeep and maintenance 3. Access required to river to allow animals to drink 4. Disturbance to stock • LBS71- Milton – Drumuille route should be removed (not suitable loop/link- dangerous to walk on A95). No signs needed –people can find route themselves Aviemore Map • Path to view point at Craigellachie would be good • Circular walk around Craigellachie would be good too • Promotion and signposting should be much better Nethybridge Map • New link between Broomhill Bridge and Speyside Way – More direct and flood proof alternative to LBS84 • New link to LBS92-Important path giving access to paths in wood to school from west of village. Should be included in core path network. Dulnain Bridge Map • Existing path next to LBS94- Pleasant circular walk that already exists. Grantown –on Spey Map • Old railway line adjacent to A95 towards Cromdale- Use old Speyside Line as cycle path between Cromdale and Old Spey Bridge Lower Badenoch and Strathspey Map • For reference purpose- Cycle Route – Sluggan pass to B970 thence to Tulloch Moor road and to Tulloch/ Osprey Reserve or Nethybridge and onto Boat • LBS6- Route of Strathspey Railway extension to Grantown should not be used as a core path. • Circular routes needed west and north east of Grantown (latter to connect into Dava Way) Participants were asked to evaluate the event, the results are as follows: % of Participants Responding Location Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Venue Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Timing Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Presentations Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Information Available Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Opportunity to speak to staff Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0%