Top 5 Places That Make Scotland Green

For example, did you know it was a forward-thinking Scot who first came up with the concept of the National Park and a Scottish blacksmith who invented the environmentally-friendly pedal bike?
 
With this in mind, we asked Robin Harper, MSP for the Green Party, to tell us about his Top 5 Places That Make Scotland Green. All Robin’s choices are great places to visit. So, in no particular order…

Cairngorm National Park

"The Cairngorm mountain range is located in the Central Highlands of Scotland and is home to five of Britain's six highest mountains.

"In fact, the range is Britain's largest National Nature Reserve and is part of Scotland's second National Park.

"The area has an alpine-artic climate which creates a unique environment that's stunning both visually and in terms of scientific interest and recreational opportunities.

"There is an important balance to be struck in providing access to the hills and protecting the fragile environment. The National Park Authority has a crucial role in ensuring the highest level of protection. It is important not to slay the golden goose!"

www.cairngorms.co.uk

Ben Nevis and The John Muir Trust

"Ben Nevis in the West of Scotland is the highest mountain in the UK at 4409ft. It has a reputation as a difficult climb because the weather often changes within minutes, which can lead to difficult situations.

"The John Muir Trust was formed in 1983 to protect and conserve wild places like Ben Nevis and to increase awareness and understanding of the value of Scotland's wilderness."

www.jmt.org

The Scottish Seabird Centre

"The Scottish Seabird Centre just has unparalleled information and exciting access to the life of birds.

"Since it opened six years ago the centre has had a strong 'green agenda'. Tom Brock, the centre's Chief Executive, is a keen supporter of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

“One of their aims is environmental education and they encourage people to practice ‘green tourism’, helping to make Scotland the number one wildlife tourist destination in the world.

“There’s loads of great wildlife to see here and cameras that you can operate to zoom in on wildlife around the centre.”

www.seabird.org

Scotland is the Place talked to the Centre's Chief Executive, Tom Brock, to find out more

Glentress Forest, Peebles and The Forestry Commission

"The work that's been done at Glentress in managing the forests and marking the paths is just superb.

"Glentress Forest is the number one visitor attraction in the Scottish Borders offering fantastic facilities for horse riding, walking, mountain biking and bird watching, including Osprey."

www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

Carrifran – Reconstructing Prehistoric Scottish Woodland

"Carrifran Wildwood is a project to restore part of Scotland to the beautiful untouched woodland of six thousand years ago. 

"The aim is to create a safe haven for many native Scottish plants and animals that once lived in the southern uplands of Scotland.

"There are volunteer days for those keen to help plant trees and take part in this exciting conservation project."

www.carrifran.org.uk

Robin Harper

Related Links:

• Close Encounters of the Bird Kind: Tom Brock, Scottish Seabird Centre
• Living a Greener Life: Hugh Raven, Soil Association Scotland
• The Big Question: Scots and environmental research
• Turning Over New Leaves: the importance of trees to the Scottish environment
• Green is the New Black: the rise of green tourism in Scotland