Supporting Communities

Communities in the Park

Our communities are central to the successful delivery of the aims of the National Park as set out in the National Park Partnership Plan

Communities in the National Park

The Cairngorms National Park covers 6% of mainland Scotland and includes parts of five different local authority areas.

Typically, the relevant local authority or voluntary sector support body is the main support network for community based activity. However, The National Park Authority works closely with community bodies and organisations on a wide range of issues. It also recognises the importance of community-led projects and seeks to add value to this work through partnership agreements with local community development organisations like Voluntary Action in Badenoch and Strathspey (VABS) and Marr Area Partnership (MAP).

Whilst the Community Council is the statutory body that represents the interests of residents at a local government level, most communities also have a community development company. These are set up to take forwards initiative and projects for the benefit of the community. Increasingly, community development companies also own assets and generate income for reinvestment in their community.

Local Authorities, Community Councils and Associations

The Cairngorms National Park straddles five Local Authority Areas. Further information on specific community councils and Associations in each area is available on the respective local authority website:

• The Highland Council
• The Moray Council
• Aberdeenshire Council
• Angus Council
• Perth and Kinross Council

The Community Councils and Associations have a particular role in consultation and engagement around the Planning system.

Community Development Organisations

The contribution of the voluntary (or third) sector is vital to the vibrancy of rural communities. The National Park works with the local third sector interface organisations to support community and volunteer led Trusts, charities and groups. Our partners in different areas of the Park are:

• Eastern Cairngorms (Aberdeenshire, Angus and Glenshee) – Marr Area Partnership
• Western Cairngorms (Badenoch & Strathspey and Highland Perthshire) – Voluntary Action in Badenoch and Strathspey
• Moray Area (Tomintoul and Glenlivet)  – Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust

They can offer advice and support on a range of community development  issues including: governance, finance, project planning, training and fundraising.

Community Action Planning

Community Action Planning is a process through which a community comes together to identify issues, priorities and opportunities  which are important to them. All communities within the National Park have produced a Community Action Plan, with significant projects being delivered across the National Park have a Community Action Plan which is normally reviewed and updated on a five year cycle.