Cairngorms Park History: How, When and Why it was established

The Cairngorm National Park is the largest park in the British Isles, covering an area of approximately 3,800 km or 1,467 sq. miles. It stretches from Ballater in the east to Laggan and Dalwhinnie in the west, Blair Atholl (added in Q3 2010) in the South. From Grantown-on-Spey in the north across to Royal Deeside and Ballater, and then onwards to Angus Glens in the southeast. As a result it covers approximately 11% of Scotland.

The park is located in the north eastern vicinity of Scotland and is the second park of the two national parks that have been established by the Scottish Parliament. The first national park to be established was the Loch Lomond in 2002, followed by the Cairngorms National Park which was officially opened on the September the 1st 2003.

The park was specifically set up to enhance and conserve the cultural and natural heritage of the area, to promote an ongoing use of the area's natural resources, to provide understanding and enjoyment of the unique qualities of the park to the public and to promote sustainable social and economical development of the communities present in and around the park. These goals make the Cairngorm National Park stands out from other national parks in that the park is fostering economical and social development, which at the same time helping to conserve and bring enjoyment and understanding to the area.

The Cairngorm has a wide diversity of geographic features such as high mountains, ancient forests, rivers, moorlands and lowland lochs. And since the addition of Blair Atholl in Highland Perthshire, some of the best broad leave forests. The park also has a rich heritage culture, showcasing medieval castles, remote estates and country houses. All these features put together make the park perfect for climbing, canoeing, cycling and walking.

The Cairngorm Mountains are at the center the park; these high peaked mountains contain over 50 munroes, which are over 3000 feet, and 4 of Scotland's 5 highest mountains. The Cairngorm Mountains are surrounded by river valleys of Don, Dee and Spey. These rivers are one of the few places in the world where freshwater pearl mussels can be found. The Cairngorms is also a popular destination for bird watchers who desire to see the Dotterell, Golden Eagle, Crested Tit and Capercaillie along with many others, with the most popular attraction being the osprey (click here for Osprey Video Cam). The park also serves as an important habitat for insects, animals, such as the Scottish Wild Cat, and vegetation, most of them having importance both nationally and internationally.

The park consists of 8 major towns/villages; these are Braemar, Blair Atholl, Kingussie, Newtonmore, Ballater, Tomintoul, Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore. Aviemore is the busiest and the one attracting most attention, especially being the center of the parks pubs, clubs and nightlife, while Braemar is popular for the Highland Games and its close distance to the Balmoral Castle; Blair Atholl and Killiecrankie for castles and the first permanent fixed platform bungee jump. Kingussie is located near the Ruthven Barracks, which is an army fort that was set up by the English in an attempt to capture the Highlands and Tomintoul is in close proximity to the Corgarff Castle and Glenlivet Estate (Whisky Country). Together the Cairngorm National Park is also home to approximately 20,000 persons. Each of the small towns and villages within these main areas have their own distinct culture, giving visitors not only a view of the spectacular wildlife but also of the Parks rich cultural heritage.