Arran's bid for UNESCO Geopark recognition moving forward
The island would be the third site granted the status in Scotland
The Isle of Arran is on its way to becoming a recognised UNESCO Geopark, with Community Investment Funding helping it on the road to being granted the status.
Geoparks are areas of geological significance, and being recognised by UNESCO helps to preserve them for visitors.
The Geopark was given nearly £80,000 after being put forward by the Arran Locality Partnership, which allowed them to appoint Project Director Malcolm Wilkinson.
He said it would be “incredible” to be recognised, adding: “Our network of island organisations are right behind us, and we look forward to working together to further develop our bid for Global Geopark status over the next year – as the UNESCO review is currently under way.”
If granted the status, Arran would join a network of parks across the world, including ones in Spain, Iceland, and Tanzania.
It would also join a more select club of island geoparks, alongside Shetland, which is one of Scotland’s two currently recognised sites, with the North West Highlands being the other.
The Geopark would include places of geological significance tourists are already familiar with, including the Clauchland Hills, Lochranza’s Fairy Dell, the King’s Caves and of course the dinosaur footprints on Kildonan Shore.
CEO of VisitArran, Sheila Gilmore, said: “UNESCO Geopark status will be a great accolade for the individual communities, and of course, the Isle of Arran as a whole.
“With UNESCO status, Arran can be promoted to those who will really appreciate and want to understand more about Arran and all it offers: Arranology if you like!”
Ms Gilmore also wanted to reassure visitors not to put off trips because of ongoing issues with the ferry service to the island.
She said: “I think what people have to remember is we do have boats.
We know it’s been widely publicised that our ferry service has had its issues, but we do have ferries sailing, between Ardrossan and Brodick, and also between Lochranza and Kintyre, so please don’t let that put anybody off!”
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, said: “If successful the Arran Geopark UNESCO Global Geopark status will ensure that Arran’s irreplaceable cultural and natural heritage is recognised, protected and respected for generations to come.”