Culture and heritage
Separated by the great bulk of the mountains, different areas of the National Park have their own distinct identity and cultural traditions, but they share a strong connection to the landscape. This is captured by the Gaelic word Dùthchas, meaning the deep-rooted connection between people and nature.
From historic castles to highland games, languages and storytelling to music, art and traditional cultural practices, the Cairngorms has a rich heritage dating back thousands of years. In more recent times, two community-led projects - Badenoch: The Storylands and the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Landscape Partnership - have helped shine a light on areas of the National Park sometimes overlooked in comparison to their more well-known neighbours.
The Park Authority and its partners are taking forward a range of activities to celebrate culture and heritage within the National Park, some of which are summarised below.
Alert
Featured
The new fire byelaw
How the Cairngorms National Park Authority and its partners are tackling the threat of wildfires, including details on the recreational fire management byelaw, in place from 1 April to 30 September each year.
Wildlife
The Cairngorms National Park is home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species. Its rich habitats are a haven for an array of wildlife, from iconic birds to elusive plants and flowers.
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation in Glenmore and Strath Nethy within the Cairngorms National Park, albeit the situation continues to improve and the majority of the National Park is unaffected (with Glenmore, Aviemore and Nethy Bridge all open to the public). Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
Various paths and trails remain closed. Check out our path closures page for all the latest updates.