What does Geopark status mean for local communities?

Gaining Geopark status means an increased focus on sustainable development at local level and provides an opportunity for local communities to shape that process according to their own needs and circumstances.

In other European regions, Geopark status has led to new developments in growing and marketing local produce, promoting a range of artistic and cultural events, expanding local education and research into the geosciences, improving quality of access to and interpretation of local attractions and working to meet the ever-growing demand for green tourism visitor experiences.

In many instances, Geopark status offers a higher profile for a wide range of quality visitor attractions that already exist, such as the weathered sandstone pinnacles and gullies of Stac Pollaidh, Handa Island Bird Reserve, one of the UK’s most important breeding grounds for seabirds, or the mysterious and spectacular Smoo Cave.