Rural Community Gateway

The main thing I learnt at this conference is that a geopark is not just about rocks. The conference theme was ‘Landscape and People’ and a range of great presentations and interesting field trips celebrated the connection between the land and heritage, culture and economy.

Northwest Highland Geopark

The Northwest Highland Geopark starts a little north of Ullapool at the Summer Isles and continues northwards through West Sutherland to the north coast. It extends to the east of Durness, beyond Loch Eriboll, and onto the Moine.

The Northwest Highland Geopark includes Smoo Cave in Durness, the Bone Caves and Inchnadamph National Nature Reserve. Stac Pollaidh and Suilven, which were voted into our 100 best things in rural Scotland, are also part of the Geopark.

But what exactly is a Geopark?

The Northwest Highland Geopark is part of a global network of areas defined by their outstanding geological features. But being a site of geological importance is not enough - a geopark is also defined by its forward-thinking local communities and unique natural and cultural heritage.

The European Geopark Network was established in 2000, with four members and in 2004, UNESCO created the Global Geopark Network. There are now 32 geoparks in Europe and 53 in the global network, in countries such as Brazil, Iran, Italy and Romania.

New geoparks welcomed to network

Environment Minister Michael Russell opened the conference at the MacPhail Centre in Ullapool and presented four new geoparks, including the Lochaber Geopark, with certificates marking their new designation.

He acknowledged the importance of geology by saying it "is the foundation of landscape and ourselves as a nation."

People and landscape

The conference theme of ‘People and Landscape’ was discussed by a range of speakers. Ian Muir, Chair of the Northwest Highland Geopark focused on the interaction between landscape, language and culture. Drew Ratter, Chair of the Crofters Commission looked at traditional agriculture.

The importance of geo-tourism, or eco-tourism, was highlighted in presentations by Bill Taylor of Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Dr Martin Smith of the British Geological Survey. While Andrew Thin, Chair of Scottish Natural Heritage said that people will only care for their heritage if that heritage cares for them.

Workshop sessions looked at projects and issues in more depth, including Gaelic road signs and the Summer in the Straths project in the Northwest Highland Geopark.

A barbeque at Coigach Hall in the evening was a great opportunity to meet delegates from around the world, and compare dance moves to music by the Mystic Shoes!

Great hospitality in Durness

The Community Action study trip on Saturday 15th September took us to Durness. The trip was led by Donald Mitchell, the North West Sutherland Ranger, employed by the Highland Council, and Ian Mitchell, Development Officer at Scottish Natural Heritage.

The weather was awful, but the welcome at Durness Village Hall couldn’t have been warmer. After being piped in by Murdo Mackay and enjoying a hot drink, we were treated to a great range of presentations and activities.

Ronnie Lansley of Durness Community Council and CVS North gave us an introduction to the vibrant community of Durness.

Durness has a population of around 250 people and there are over 30 individual businesses in the area. Displays around the hall gave us a bit more information on local community events such as the Cape Wrath Challenge and local enterprises such as the Balnakeil Craft Village.

Yvonne Mackay, a Highland Council Youth Development Worker, gave a presentation on youth work in the area. She explained that young people are highly valued in Durness, and the community tries to incorporate a youth element into all the projects they do.

Meg Telfer from Skerray introduced the group to the Mackay Country project that she was involved in. The project included archiving photos of the community and interviewing its older members.

Music was provided by young people from the award-winning Feis Air An Oir led by Janette Mackay. The Dark Sky Starlab was an unexpected delight. Inside an inflatable dome we were given a guided tour of the night sky!

Smoo Cave and Knockan Crag

After a hearty lunch it was back out to face the elements with a trip to Smoo Cave. Colin Coventry, who runs tours in the cave, gave us a great introduction to this amazing site.

A short stop off at the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve completed the trip, and my visit to the Geoparks Conference.

Sometimes you forget what is on your doorstep. Along with introducing me to the world of geology, this conference served as a reminder of how many great places there are to visit in rural Scotland. This was my first visit to the Northwest Highland Geopark, and it won't be my last. I have already planned my return trip!

• Privacy
• Help
• Contact Us
• Disclaimer