Scottish Government
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European Geoparks Conference
Ullapool is this weekend host to the seventh European Geopark Network Conference on 'Landscapes and People: Earth Heritage, Culture and Economy'.
The conference will focus on the role of Geoparks in Scotland and across Europe and aims to encourage businesses, communities and young people to get involved in geopark activities and developments.
Environment Minister Michael Russell said:
"Scotland's geology is unparalleled internationally in terms of its quality and access. Our involvement since 2004 in the European Geopark Network and UNESCO is already showing benefits in terms of promoting Scotland, its environment and its culture.
"Scotland has two geoparks in Lochaber and North West Highlands and achieving this status is an accolade to both the quality of geology and the drive and determination of our communities to achieve sustainable development. I hope the new and sustained economic activity brought by geoparks will bring improvements for local rural communities through better access to services, social, cultural and youth development, sustainable tourism and employment opportunities."
International attendees at the conference travelled from as far afield as Hungrary and Australia.
The North West Highland Geopark was the first to be designated in Scotland in November 2004. The scenery includes mountains in Assynt such as Ben More, Suilven and Stac Pollaidh.
Lochaber, an area of Scotland with an ancient and unique rock record, celebrated the accolade of being chosen as Europe's newest Geopark in June 2007. It was awarded European Geopark status after the influential European Geoparks Network judged the region to have an important geological history and a sustainable development strategy.
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