Farmers and crofters protest at Cairngorm meeting

More than 70 people attended the demonstration on Monday evening, including members from the Cairngorms Crofters and Farmers Group.

They rallied 21 tractors, a Unimog truck, and Land Rovers through Grantown before a meeting took place with CNPA board members, including convenor Sandy Bremner.

Chief executive of the CNPA, Grant Moir, said: “It was great to have so many farmers and crofters attend the meeting to discuss agricultural issues in the national park.

“There was a frank and honest exchange of views about farming, the role of the park authority, and how we can work better together in the future to further the aims of the national park. The park authority is looking forward to future meetings and working to support the farmers and crofters in the area.”

Independent farming and environment advisor, Ali McKnight, who is acting as a facilitator on behalf of the Crofters and Farmers Group, commented: “The huge attendance showed the amount of support for getting a voice heard, following increased momentum and passion from the community after 20 years of the Cairngorms National Park.

Tractors featured signs at the protest

“While the entrance made a strong impact, the atmosphere amongst the farmers and crofters was very congenial and the meeting ended positively.

“Considering recent meetings regarding beavers, it was clear that farmers' opinions needed to be expressed.

“The agreement was made for a small group of crofters and farmers to relay information between the CNPA and the wider community on decisions and discussions made.”

NFUS Highland regional manager Ian Wilson commented on the governing of the CNPA. He stated: “The fact that the Cairngorms Park has not delivered and worked with farmers and crofters is a concern, as the government considered setting out even more national parks.

“The park provides control more than aid to those living and working in the area.

“Following this protest, the outcome will depend on how the park re-deliver and increase confidence in the community.”

Robert MacDonald is the chairman of the Cairngorms Crofters and Farmers Group and a local farmer from Grantown-on-Spey, he described the meeting as ‘overwhelming’.

He said: “The strength within the rural people is clear. The promises we received 20 years ago were of benefit to the agricultural community. Yet the focus of the park is on conservation and rewilding, this is secluding farmers.

“For instance, if I was one mile out of the park, I would be able to receive a £500 discount on electricity bills due to wind turbines, which are not allowed to be placed here in the park.

“House prices have also increased, with many people owning two or three properties as holiday homes, this unbalances local communities, driving young people away who cannot afford to buy or have limited opportunities.”

Robert continued: “As seen on the River Spey with the re-introduction of beavers, this is negatively affecting people’s livelihoods.”

Protestors against insufficient involvement in beaver reintroduction in the area

He also highlighted that the government views the park as a ‘carbon-clearance’.

“We need to consider where our food comes from,” he concluded.

Stuart Annand is a beef and sheep farmer from Gordonhall Farm, Kingussie. He described the outcome of the protest: “Overall the meeting was positive, crofters and farmers showed a real appetite for change.

“Together we are raising awareness and sentiment on decisions being made within the park.

“We ask for better engagement from the CNPA as we take steps moving forward, this is not about witch-hunting.”

The Cairngorms National Park spans more than 1,118,720 acres, equating to 6% of the land area in Scotland, covering parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus, Perth, and Kinross.