Cairngorms National Park which covers parts of Moray awarded £10.7million of lottery cash

The Cairngorms has been awarded £10.7million to help it become the UK's first 'net zero' national park.

Cash from the national lottery will go towards various projects within the park authority's Cairngorms 2030 programme which aims to support nature and rural communities.

These projects include creating the equivalent of 1500 football pitches of new woodland within its boundaries, as well as restoring a similar area of carbon-storing peatland.

Also included is work to enhance the upper stretches of both the rivers Spey and Dee.

Sandy Bremner, the park authority's convener, said: "The development phase of the Cairngorms 2030 programme saw views gathered over two years from more than 4000 people who live, visit and work in the national park, to help shape plans for the delivery phase we are about to embark on.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to again thank residents, visitors and our partner organisations for their time and feedback."

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: "Scotland’s national parks are more important than ever in helping us tackle the biodiversity and climate crises as well as strengthening our rural communities.

"Investing in protecting and enhancing Scotland’s precious environment creates great opportunities that will benefit people and communities throughout the country, particularly in rural areas."

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