People Objectives
B1. Working-age population
There has been strong growth in the overall population of the National Park over the past 20 years. However, the focus now is on the need to increase the working-age population to ensure that local services can be supported. A stable population with a strong working-age component – which is also diverse and inclusive – will support thriving and sustainable communities and a successful local economy.
Young people are a key part of a sustainable population but require access to education, training, development, employment and housing in order to remain in (or indeed migrate to) the National Park. A strong working-age population is also key to the delivery of many of the objectives set out in this plan.
The Cairngorms Youth Action Team has a key role to play in advocating for young people in the National Park, and in developing projects and plans that meet their needs and encourage young people to remain in (or come to) the area.
Key Objectives and targets
Objective
The proportion of young and working-age people in the National Park increases relative to the total resident population, which remains stable.
Target
The proportion of young people and working-age people in the National Park relative to the total resident population increases between 2020 and 2045.
Indicator
The population stabilises between 2020 and 2045.
Actions By 2027
- Develop and implement a Local Development Plan.
- Develop a green skills / youth apprenticeship project to help grow a strong working-age population (see People objective B4 – Skills and training).
- Grow the influence and level of youth participation in the Cairngorms Youth Action Team.
- Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme.
Partners
Local authorities, landowners, developers, Cairngorms Business Partnership, Cairngorms Youth Action Team, Countryside Learning Scotland.