Two hundred square kilometres, on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park - an area famous for its distilleries - is the latest to benefit from this innovative approach to landscape conservation.

The Landscape Partnership (LP) is unique in that it helps build partnerships between local businesses, community groups and individuals. People work together on interlinked projects to tackle the environmental needs of their local landscape. And it’s not just the flora and fauna that benefit, they are involved in conserving and restoring the built heritage too, and celebrating local history through events and publications.

The area of Glenlivet and Tomintoul is an area of fascinating hidden heritage and stories of hiding! From whisky smugglers to cattle rustlers, Catholic clergy to soldiers on the run, many have sought refuge in the folds and curves of this landscape. Thanks to the Landscape Partnership, these fascinating stories will be told to encourage more people to experience this vibrant part of the National Park.

[quote=Colin McLean, Head HLF Scotland]Nature lies at what makes Scotland special and having funded over 300 natural heritage projects, HLF is committed to help people reconnect with what often lies overlooked on their doorstep.[/quote]

Young people are a focus of the Glenlivet and Tomintoul LP. They will have incredible opportunities to try new things whether restoring woodland, building paths, recording wildlife or collecting oral histories.  Their involvement will not only teach them skills which will benefit their own futures but will also ensure that the future of the natural environment around them is in safe hands.

“Nature lies at what makes Scotland special and having funded over 300 natural heritage projects, HLF is committed to help people reconnect with what often lies overlooked on their doorstep. What the communities of Glenlivet and Tomintoul have already started on a small scale can now move forward so that the people and the land both flourish.” said Colin McLean, Head HLF Scotland.