The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Historic park elects fresh faces to lead funding charge
It is considered one of the most outstanding landscapes on the planet, containing rocks dating back more than three billion years.
And now, the North West Highlands Geopark has elected a new chairman.
David Macleod, Tongue community director, was elected and Jean Mackay, Scourie community director, maintained her position as secretary as the park makes plans for 2018.
As visitor numbers to the park continue to rise, Mr Macleod says his first port of call is to secure adequate funding to keep the park at its peak.
Mr Macleod said: “I am delighted to have been elected as chairman of this important community based organisation. We have had an exciting year with national TV and radio coverage during our crowdfunding programme and statements of support from MSPs in Holyrood.
“In the coming months we continue to work towards securing a core funding package to ensure we can retain our Unesco designation.”
Mr Macleod added: “We would like to thank George Farlow and Stuart McHugh for the all the work they have put in to the Geopark over recent years as chairman and vice-chairman of the organisation”.
Throughout 2017, the park has had an incredibly successful year and in October, the Geopark hosted its first Earth Science Festival 2017 in partnership with the Scottish Geodiversity Forum Geoheritage Festival.
The park held a series of talks, walks and events throughout the North West Highlands to coincide with Earth Science week, including guided coastal walks and boat trips providing experiences for individuals to floating around on the beautiful glacially cut Loch Lurgainn.
The development of the festival was part of a Leader project which will include new signage along the Rock Route and a business network.
The Rock Route stretches from Ullapool to Loch Eriboll, exploring the rocks and landscapes of every corner of the Highland attraction.
Mrs Mackay continues as secretary after a busy year coordinating the organisation’s Rock Stop exhibition and coffee shop and spoke about the success of the event.
She said: “The Rock Stop has been hugely successful in 2017. The coffee shop offers visitors light refreshments, gifts and locally made cakes. The exhibition tells the story of the amazing landscape of the North West Highlands and explains why it is of global significance. We were open seven days a week over the summer employing two local staff and will reopen for Easter 2018 with more staff and a new lunch menu.”
The park, located in the far north of the Scottish Highlands, contains 100 miles of the north coast 500 route into its landscape. The park stretches for approximately 2000 sq km and takes in a stunning array of mountains, peatland, beach, forest and rugged coastlines.
The park’s main attraction is the rocks hidden in the corner of Scotland, dating back more than three billion years. Recognised by Unesco as one of the most outstanding landscapes on the planet, the park plays host to the oldest rocks in Europe, living up to its reputation.