Fears for business in park
Many businesses that feed off tourism at the Cairngorms National Park“will not survive”due to the impact of the COVID pandemic.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) board has been discussing the progress made to aid the ‘green’recovery after the organisation introduced a range of measures to tackle the impact of the virus.
A plan for a green recovery in the park was agreed by the CNPA board in June and a fund to help kick-start the process with the distribution of £130,000 in support was made.
The CNPA, working with a range of partners, has been involved in a considerable amount of work across the park this summer.
But members, including Highland Perthshire councillor Xander McDade, acknowledged that while progress is being made, recovery from COVID remains difficult with many businesses and residents still trying to stay safe but also manage within the restrictions.
Convener of the CNPA board Cllr McDade said:“The recovery from COVID-19 is going to take a lot more time and money and different businesses and communities will be affected in different ways.
“Sadly, some businesses in the park will not survive.
“There is no doubt that these are difficult times for businesses and communities across the park but the CNPA and its partners are committed to providing support where we can best add value.”
Last Friday’s (November 27) online board meeting saw members discuss the variety of work being carried out and some of the initiatives planned for 2021 to continue the recovery.
Grant Moir, CNPA chief executive, said:“As part of the Green Recovery Plan one of the first things we did – along with The Cairngorms Trust – was set up a fund to help kick start the process and to date we have distributed £130,000 to support a variety of projects that offer green solutions, encourage economic growth and well-being in communities, as well as supporting employment opportunities and the aims of the park.
“Funds have been awarded to help build car parks, paths and outdoor ‘rooms’, organise litter picks, tree planting, support for creative enterprises and various other initiatives.
“In addition to this, the CNPA, along with the Cairngorms Business Partnership, has played a key role in visitor marketing, encouraging people to visit at times when it has been permitted and to entice people in the future when restrictions are eased.
“We’re also supporting digital connectivity improvements, which is extremely important to be able to help visitors plan their activities when they are here, allow businesses to work effectively and efficiently and simply let people stay in touch with family and friends when unable to meet in person.
“The CNPA’s funding for and recruitment of volunteer rangers to support local services, land managers and visitors has been particularly impactful and this is something we are committed to in the long term.”