A draft plan for the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland has been released for consultation.

Deputy minister for the environment and rural development, Rhona Brankin, attended a board meeting with the Cairngorms National Park Authority on 11 April to present the plan and begin the consultation process.

The draft sets out a 25-year vision for the park and the seven priorities for the first five years.

The priorities comprise conserving and enhancing the biodiversity and landscapes; developing sustainable deer management; supporting integrated land management; improving outdoor access; making housing affordable and sustainable; making tourism and business sustainable; and developing awareness and understanding of the park.

Following the consultation period – open until the end of June – a report summarising the responses will be prepared. The final park plan will be developed, with partners, for submission to ministers at the end of 2006.

This is the first Cairngorms National Park plan and a new series of priorities will be published every five years until 2031.

Brankin said: “The Cairngorms is key to our national heritage and the local economy. It is essential that we manage it effectively and sustainably for future generations.” Details: www.cairngorms.co.uk