University of the Highlands and Islands and Cairngorms National Park sign partnership agreement

The University of the Highlands and Islands and Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) have signed an agreement to work together to benefit communities and businesses in the park and its surrounding area. The organisations already have a track record of collaboration and are now seeking to formalise and expand this relationship through a memorandum of understanding.
 
University of the Highlands and Islands’ principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Clive Mulholland, and CNPA chief executive, Grant Moir, signed the document in Inverness on Thursday 9 March. It highlights key areas the park and university will collaborate on, including land use, visitor experience and community and economic development.
 
Speaking about the development, Professor Mulholland said: “We are excited to be formalising and extending our relationship with the Cairngorms National Park Authority. The National Park has an international reputation as a tourist destination and for its nature conservation and there are many links between our aims, specialisms and challenges. We look forward to working together to maximise the opportunities for those living, working and visiting the National Park and the Highlands and Islands region.”
 
Mr Moir added: “There are already numerous connections between the Cairngorms National Park and the University of the Highlands and Islands and we are delighted to be strengthening our relationship in this way. Many areas of the university’s research are directly relevant to management challenges here in the Cairngorms and, in turn, the National Park provides a fantastic learning resource for students at the university.  
 
There are many areas where we can work together, ranging from forestry, land use and conservation, to rural health and physical activity. We look forward to developing further opportunities which will enable communities and businesses in the National Park to benefit from this collaboration.”