Thanks to a co-ordinated approach by the Highland Council, national organisations and community groups in the north west, the North West Highlands is the first area of Scotland to be awarded the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) endorsed European Geopark status. Encompassing parts of Wester Ross and the whole of North West Sutherland, the status was awarded on the basis of the area's outstanding geology and landscape, the strength of its partnership approach to sustainable economic development and it's existing geological interpretation facilities.

Stretching from Coigach in Wester Ross to Cape Wrath and Loch Eriboll in the north, this 2000 square km area takes in some of the finest mountain and coastal landscapes in Britain and contains a wealth of classic geological localities. There are also a significant number of historical and archaeological sites, including scheduled monuments and listed buildings. Convener of The Highland Council, Alison Magee welcomes the status and foretells of benefits to tourism in the area: "This is wonderful news. The rich natural heritage of the North West Highlands is recognised not only by the high number of designations we have but also…the rising number of tourists who specifically come to walk the hills and admire the beauty of the scenery. From the early evidence of human habitation in Scotland, through to Norse settlements, the Lordship of the Isles to the Clearances, crofting and recent land reform, the human story can be traced in the unique landscape we have that dates back over 9,000 years."

Other areas in the UK which already hold the Geopark status (the Marble arch caves & Cuilcagh mountain park in Northern Ireland, the North Pennines and the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark in England) have benefited through increased nature-based tourism resulting from the Geopark status. The Highland Council's Sutherland Area Chairman, Councillor Francis Keith commented on the future opportunities arising and highlighted the need for a sustainable approach to development in the area: "This news will have a tremendous benefit to the area and will spark new and exciting initiatives. It is now our responsibility to protect and promote the geological heritage and to use our natural and cultural heritage to encourage sustainable economic development."

The Geopark will be officially launched next year but an Action Group has been established to oversee the running and policy direction of the Geopark. Made up of representatives from The Highland Council, British Geological Survey, Scottish Natural Heritage and the local enterprise company, together with a range of local stakeholders, the Group's aim is to raise awareness of the North West Highlands Geopark locally, nationally and internationally. Chairman of Assynt Community Council Ron Evans said: "It is very rewarding to learn that considerable efforts by national organisations and community groups, co-ordinated by The Highland Council, have resulted in the granting of Geopark status to the North-West of Scotland. Organisations in Assynt will continue their endeavours to promote local economic regeneration knowing that international recognition of the area as a special place will be invaluable."

For more information:

• Highland Council
• UNESCO Geopark
• Geology of North West Highlands