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10th February 2009

MSP Meets National Park Convener In Ballater

YOUNG people and sustainable businesses were on the agenda this week when Alex Johnstone, MSP, met with David Green, the convener of the Cairngorms National Park.

The two played key roles in the establishment of Scotland’s national parks in the first term of the Scottish Parliament when the North East MSP was the Convener of the Scottish Parliament Rural Affairs Committee, which took the ground breaking legislation through the Parliamentary process, while Mr Green was the leader of the Highland Council which contributed enormously to the development of the legislation. The meeting at the Ballater office provided the chance to discuss a number of issues relevant to the Park, including supporting and promoting sustainable businesses and the Cairngorms in the Curriculum, a project focusing on how the National Park can support and help deliver the Curriculum for Excellence.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Johnstone said:  “I was delighted to hear how the Cairngorms National Park Authority is working to involve youngsters in activities within the Park through their ‘Cairngorms in The Curriculum’ initiative.  I also welcome the way in which the Park authority is throwing its weight behind the Cairngorms Business Partnership which has the potential to create a powerful voice for business using the status of the National Park and thereby bring positive benefits to businesses.”

Mr Green said:  “It is important that MSPs are aware of and support the work to create a world class Cairngorms National Park.  The two areas he is particularly interested in – businesses and young people - play a crucial role in this and it is encouraging he supports the work in these areas.”