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Does tourism conflict with other land uses in the Cairngorms
National Park?
The Cairngorm Mountains in the north-east of Scotland are a spectacular
environment, with five of Scotland’s six highest peaks, spectacular glaciated
scenery and many rare species of plants and animals. The area became a
national park in 2003. One of the aims of the park is to promote the public’s
enjoyment of the area, however, the park also aims to protect the landscape
and allow people to live and work in the area. With 1.5 mill ion visitors each
year does this mean that tourism conflicts with the other land uses in the
park?
Lets find out from Miss Ellen McPherson from the Forestry Commission.
‘About 12% of the Cairngorms are forested. We tend to plant trees on steeper
slopes which are not very useful for anything else. There was a lot of
criticism of our planting in the past as we mainly planted coniferous trees
which don’t encourage native birds and animals. The trees were also planted
in blocks, which looked unnatural and spoilt the view. Nowadays though we
are planting more deciduous trees and the style of planting allows for easier
access for recreation. Look at Glenmore Forest Park – visitors are encouraged
to come and camp and take part in water sports on Loch Morlich. Tou rism
can create difficulties like litter, wearing away footpaths and damaging trees
but more signposts, information boards and leaflets help educate people and
direct visitors along appropriate paths. So I think we can work together with
tourists and we can both benefit.’
Thank you Miss McPherson. Now let us hear from Mr Alistair MacLennan ,
who owns Balliefurth Farm on the banks of the River Spey. Mr MacLennan
how do you feel about tourists coming to the Cairngorms National Park?
‘Well for a long time I was not really very happy about people crossing my
land. I keep 75 cows and 180 sheep and often people let their dogs off the
leash and they chase my animals. They also leave my gates open and my
stock can escape. But nowadays with the price of lamb and woo l falling so
much I have to think of other ways to earn money. ’
How do you so that then?
‘I’ve opened a B&B and rent out self-catering accommodation.’
So how much does that bring in?
‘I would say about 14% of my income now comes from tourism. So I sup pose
I now welcome tourists. You have to change with the times. ’
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That you do. Thanks Mr MacLennan. Now let us consider a future use of land
in the Cairngorms – wind farms. Eurus Energy has put forward a plan to build
26 turbines at Glenkirk near Tomatin, which although just outside the
national park’s boundaries is causing concern for the National Park
Authority. Miss Billie Owens works as a Park Planning Officer. Miss Owens
why are you opposed to this plan?
‘The Cairngorms are obviously a suitable site fo r this wind farm since they
have some of the highest wind speeds in Britain. But as you can see from this
map (Diagram 1) the turbines would only be a few kilometres from the park
boundary and would reach 110 metres in height , which would be seen from
well within the park. This would spoil the views for tourists and ruin the
sense of wildness that the park provides. The turbines could also affect
protected species such as golden eagles.’
Thank you Miss Owens.
Having listened to the views of a Forestry Commission representative, a
farmer and a National Park Planning Officer it is clear that tourism can
conflict with other land uses. Tourists can damage the environment, affect a
farmer’s livelihood or prevent wind farm developments. However , tourists
can bring benefits to the area – creating 3600 jobs (full-time equivalent) and
as Diagram 2 shows about £100 million annually. The Forestry Commission
and the farmer both agree that careful management can allow tourists to
coexist with other land uses.
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