Survival plan mapped out for future of Cabrach

Outdoor pursuits and windfarm hold the key

By Eilidh Morrison

Published:

Outdoor pursuits and a windfarm are the main opportunities for a tiny Moray community, which might otherwise face extinction.

That is according to a study, which looks at the current situation for the Cabrach and potential future developments.

The HIE-commissioned report suggests making use of the area’s natural assets for developing outdoor pursuits, and expanding south and west to establish links with the Cairngorms National Park and a trail to Huntly.

It also suggests plans submitted by Infraenergy for 59 turbines in the west, at Dorenell, could generate £360,000 for the community, as well as employment opportunities.

But the report warns the area is “doomed to extinction” unless the local authority, main estate landowner and public sector agencies work together.

The Cabrach is considered to be Grampian’s lowest-density parish and is estimated to contain fewer than one person per 100 acres.

Population trends have predicted only 20 people will be living in the area by 2051, and almost none at all by the end of the century.

Most of the Cabrach community is under the ownership of the Glenfiddich and Cabrach Estate, which is run by property tycoon Christopher Moran.

The remote community came under the media spotlight in February this year when the Scottish Government decided to keep the local primary school open for two pupils.

The decision was met with controversy after it was revealed that the move would cost taxpayers £100,000 a year.

Local residents formed the Cabrach Association in autumn 2007 in an attempt to save the school.

The group’s vice-chairwoman Gillian Gordon believes the publicity surrounding the school helped highlight the need for regeneration. She said: “Obviously housing is a big issue in the area for encouraging new people in. You can’t get families into the area without housing. The windfarm could generate a lot of cash to the community, which could be used in turn for housing.

“We were told that the windfarm could provide full-time employment for a good few years.

“It’s a great place for children to grow up in, out in the country, but we need the folk before we can create a community.”

The association is now planning to meet with housing associations to discuss the possibility of persuading some landowners in the area to provide land for housing.