11 December 2002

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has written to ask First Minister Jack McConnell (see below) to reconsider the alignment of the southern boundary of the proposed Cairngorms National Park.

The MCofS believe that the boundary proposed by the Scottish Executive in its recent Designation Order is seriously flawed, has been drawn up for political rather than natural heritage reasons, and if passed is likely to lead to years of conflict and ineffective management of the National Park.

MCofS Vice-President, John Mackenzie, said: "The Executive is walking into a disaster with its eyes closed tight. It is clear to anyone who so much as glances at this issue that the south western boundary has been drawn to fit an artificial local authority border, as opposed to the criteria laid down in the National Parks (Scotland) Act."

Mike Dales, MCofS Access and Conservation Officer, went on to say: "This is the worst example of blatant gerrymandering I have ever seen. Communities in Highland Perthshire, such as Blair Atholl and Calvine, which form the kicking off point for many who will walk or cycle into the National Park, are being denied the resources to manage the associated impacts. This is not because the area is scenically less attractive or that it attracts fewer visitors, but because MSP's from Highland are more concerned that Highland councillors receive five, rather than four, places on the Park Board."

As well as the boundary issue, the MCofS is also concerned about the proposed planning powers for the Cairngorms National Park. Like many other organisations and individuals, the MCofS believes that the proposals are unworkable and likely to lead to ongoing problems after the Park is operational.

The MCofS letter to the First Minister is below:

Jack McConnell First Minister The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP 11 December 2002 Dear Mr McConnell, The Cairngorms National Park We in the Mountaineering Council of Scotland are deeply concerned at the decision of the Scottish Executive to press ahead with the setting up of the Cairngorms National Park with boundaries that exclude Highland Perthshire. The proposed southern boundary runs through the heart of the mountain massif, excluding the key historic Mounth paths and Glen Tilt, which are integral and vital components of the Cairngorms area. Indeed, close scrutiny of the plans show the boundary runs through the middle of a loch! Landowners and their representatives, affected local communities and their councils, and environmental and recreational bodies have all opposed this decision, and strong criticism was expressed from all the political parties represented in the Rural Development Committee. Indeed, the only supporting voice, Rhoda Grant, explained that her main reason for supporting it was that it made Dalwhinnie the southern gateway for the park at the expense of Perthshire communities further south on the A9. It may be understandable that she would say this in the interest of her political constituency, but it is hardly the most objective criteria for establishing the most appropriate park boundaries in the national interest. The absurdity of leaving Highland Perthshire out of the national park is that communities such as Blair Atholl and Calvine are the starting points for visitors walking and cycling into the proposed national park, but they are being denied the resources to manage the associated impacts. The Cairngorms have in the past been the centre of bitter controversy, with polarisation between competing interests. It was hoped that the establishment of a national park with appropriate powers and boundaries would do much to rebuild trust and confidence. The creation of the first park at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs has shown how much can be achieved. Sadly the opportunity to do the same for the Cairngorms looks like being missed unless there is some form of late intervention. We understand the political pressure to fulfil manifesto commitments on this issue, but believe that the importance of getting this right justifies a rethink. I urge you to look again at all the evidence, and reconsider whether the southern border line can be adjusted. Yours sincerely   John Mackenzie Vice-President

Campaign to change boundaries
Scottish Executive announcement (14 Nov 02)
Boundary Map

Scottish Executive announcement (29 May 02)
The draft designation order in full
Map of proposed boundaries
Report from The Herald newspaper
Report from The Scotsman newspaper
previous articles and responses
The Cairngorms Campaign website