Diversity event in Cairngorms National Park proves big success
Groups from across Scotland came to the Cairngorms National Park on Saturday (October 11) to celebrate diversity at the first ever Outdoor Festival for All.
Over 350 people attended the event at Blair Castle and Atholl Estates to enjoy the park and its woodlands.
Workshops and activities took place throughout the day, including walks, biking, bushcraft, exploring insects and bugs, climbing, archery, wild cooking, dance and storytelling.
Groups who attended include African Community Edinburgh, Disability Groups Perthshire, Cairngorms Health Walk Project, Ross Community Mental Health Team, Nepalese Community of Aberdeen, Scottish Arabic Women’s Association, South Asian Women and families in Edinburgh, Telugu Scotland Association and Multi Ethnic Access Development Project (MEAD).
The event was run by Backbone – an organisation that aims to get people from all backgrounds to engage with Scotland’s diverse landscapes – in partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Forestry Commission.
Cairngorms National Park Authority board member Eleanor Mackintosh said: "We were delighted to be working with Backbone on this event as we have a shared aim to ensure that the wonderful landscape of the Cairngorms is available for all to enjoy.
"It was lovely to see so many people who have never had access to the national park before being able to enjoy the uniqueness of the countryside and try new skills."
Romena Huq from Forestry Commission Scotland said: "We really enjoyed this event in a wonderful woodland setting.
"Events like these are run as part of the Commission Scotland’s Engagement Programme and it’s great to bring together people from different backgrounds to explore and enjoy local woods on their doorstep."
