Conflicts of interest in the Cairngorms?
Originally uploaded by jmmcdgll
Spent October break at the iconic Coylumbridge Hotel, which I last stayed at in the early 70s, back in the heyday of Aviemore as the winter resort of the UK. We used this as a base to explore the area, with top marks going to the quad biking. Looking at the activities on offer within the Rothiemurchus estate was like being plunged into a Higher Geography question on rural land use issues. I could see the potential for some good field work on conflicts of interest, but I also feel we can sometimes make too much of the theme of “conflict” and automatically ascribe to each and every activity within a national park a minus point in a conflict checklist. To take quad bikes, certainly they are noisey and churn up the land, but it is strictly contained within a small area near the town, and only runs at particular times. In fact I got a real sense of the amount of space surrounding the honeypots-vast areas of rock strewn mountains, forests and moorland, with scarcely a person to be seen. What I felt was that many activities do is encourage people out of their houses and into the countryside, to enjoy the beauty of the autumn colours, to try something new. The main problem is cost-for a family of four each activity could be upwards from £50
That said, it is clear that certain areas do suffer from overkill-the flanks of the Cairngorms are criss crossed by weathered snow fences and the ghostly infrastructure of old chair lifts. Broad, ever widening paths cut into the hillside, with secondary paths evolving along side. There are many of disapprove of the whole concept of the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, which makes it easier for more people to ascend the mountain.Car parks and mountain restuarants are anathema to those who want the mountains wild and challenging.The issue, as always, is to assess the costs and benefits of such developments. In a time of recession, and job losses, who would deny this region the chance to generate income, and create employment? But what price the environment?
Ahoy Jim,
I was at the Hilton Coylumbridge a couple of weeks ago myself and could not make my mind up about the place. Conflict of interest describes the place pretty well. With a family it would be an ideal place, on a stag weekend it was a bit weird. That said Aviemore is pretty extraordinary, the attempts to turn it to a season round venue are enterprising, however I am fascinated by the economics. Does Aviemore make money?
Anyway, we should catch up some time soon.
Graeme