Park in Partnership

By Jennifer Harper

The two bodies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding

STUDENTS across the Highlands and Islands are being given the opportunity to work in partnership with the UK’s largest national park in a bid to boost the economy, tourism and environment – ultimately giving them better job prospects at the end of their studies.

While the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) have had on-going collaboration in the past, the two bodies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see them expand their relationship on a firmer footing for the benefit of everyone working, living and visiting the area.

Signed mid-March by Professor Clive Mulholland, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UHI, and Grant Moir, CNPA Chief Executive, the Memorandum of Understanding commits both parties to work together to support delivery of the ‘Partnership Plan’. They intend to engage with local businesses and communities across the five local authority areas that the Cairngorms National Park spans (Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus and Perth and Kinross), with the initial key project areas including land use, visitor experience, community and economic development.