How does it work?

NW Highlands Geopark work is managed by Sutherland Partnership, an area-based organisation set up to secure the economic and social well being of Sutherland by tackling the problems of rural disadvantage. It comprises key public, private, community and voluntary sector partners in the area and was the lead organisation involved in applying for Geopark status.

A local Geopark Steering Group oversees the running of NW Highlands Geopark with members from the following organisations:

Durness, Kinlochbervie, Scourie, Assynt and Coigach Community Councils
British Geological Survey
The Highland Council
Scottish Natural Heritage
Sutherland Partnership
VisitScotland

The work is funded by The Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highland LEADER and The Scottish Government. Significant ‘in-kind’ support is also provided by British Geological Survey, Highland Council Countryside Rangers, The Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and Visit Scotland. Generous support for the work of the Geopark itself has been received from a wide range of local businesses and community organisations.

The day to day work of the Geopark is undertaken by two staff members, Evelyn Mackay and Fiona MacKenzie, based in the NW Highlands Geopark Office in Lochinver. From having no paid staff at its inception in 2004, the Geopark moved to being able to offer a part-time job in 2005 which in turn led to the creation in 2008 of two full-time jobs in the area.

Who’s involved in NW Highlands Geopark?

The decision to become or to create a Geopark in a certain area comes from public authorities responsible for the area or region, local communities living in the Geopark area and private businesses, organisations and individuals active within the boundaries of the Geopark.

With the principle of sustainable economic development at the heart of the Geopark concept, it is crucial that local communities are able are able to use Geopark status and networks to their best advantage. Find out more about the people who live and work in the Geopark and discover how living in a Geopark can bring a range of community benefits.