NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 5 November 2009 HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE PROGRESS IN CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK After a debate in the Scottish Parliament on Scotland’s National Parks, Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has called on the Scottish Government to make more progress on making it clear that Highland Perthshire is part of the Cairngorms National Park. The southern boundary of Cairngorms National Park has been extended to include Blair Atholl and parts of eastern and Highland Perthshire. Murdo has been a strong campaigner to see Highland Perthshire be included in the Cairngorms National Park, including climbing the Cairnwell Munro in Highland Perthshire to give his support. Commenting, Murdo Fraser said: “It is welcome news that Highland Perthshire is part of the Cairngorms National Park. This is an issue that I have pursued since the Park was first established without any part of Perthshire included. “I also welcome the progress being made by the local business partnerships that are moving Blair Atholl forward and preparing it to become the new southern gateway to the enlarged National Park. A number of organisations have worked hard to ensure that Blair Atholl and Highland Perthshire are included in the National Park, including the Pitlochry Partnership, the John Muir Trust, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, the Blair Atholl Area Tourism Association, and many others. “Highland Perthshire being part of the Cairngorms National Park will give the local economy a boost. It is important that local businesses in Highland Perthshire receive the support required from the Scottish Government in order to realise the full potential of being part of the Cairngorms National Park. The Scottish Government must listen and support to the organisations who are putting so much effort into Blair Atholl and Highland Perthshire being part of the Park.” ENDS   back to top of page