A survey of landowners in the Cairngorms National Park has been published, which outlines the current activities of the estates within the National Park, as well as their future aspirations.

The study, commissioned by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) in 2013, aimed to collect information on the current economic, social and environmental contribution of landowners in the Park and their future hopes in order to inform and shape future policy development.

Estates provide significant employment in the Cairngorms National Park (9%), and contribute significantly to the economy (around 6% of GVA). The results described the main land use as managed moorland, and this was followed by rough grazing, conservation and commercial forestry. When looking to the future, a majority of respondents said they wanted to increase activity in renewable energy production, tourism and leisure opportunities.

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Hamish Trench, CNPA's Director of Conservation and Visitor Experience commented: "The last survey of landowners in the Cairngorms National Park was carried out by the Cairngorms Partnership in 2002 so we were keen to source up-to-date information to help plan for the future.

"In addition to the general economic information being collated in a national survey commissioned by Scottish Land & Estates, we particularly wanted to collate information on community development and conservation. We also wanted to identify future opportunities for collaboration to help deliver the National Park Partnership Plan."

Duncan Bryden, Convener of the CNPA, added: "Estate management that supports wider public interests plays a key role in making the Cairngorms National Park an outstanding place for its nature and landscapes, visitor experience and dynamic rural economy. The Park Authority works with a wide range of land based businesses, to deliver for conservation, visitor experience and rural development."

The independent survey was conducted by SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), UHI Centre for Mountain Studies and Rural Solutions with support from Scottish Land & Estates. To avoid duplication it was conducted at the same time as a national survey being undertaken by Scottish Land & Estates.

(JP/IT)