Lochaber Geopark
Pàirc-geòdha Loch Abair
Location of Lochaber
Looking west down Loch Leven to the Pap of Glen Coe
Lochaber Geopark is located in the Highlands of Scotland. It stretches from Rannoch Moor in the south to Glen Garry in the north, and from Loch Laggan in the east to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna in the west.
The decision to apply for Geopark status for the Lochaber area was made following a public meeting in Fort William in January 2004. Representatives of the European Geoparks Network gave a presentation at the meeting in which they explained the requirements for an area to be awarded Geopark status. A local geologist then highlighted some of the area's great wealth of Earth Heritage.
As a result it was decided that the whole of Lochaber should be included in the geopark territory. A working group was set up to compile the lengthy dossier required to make an application.
After an initial setback with the application a community based company, Lochaber Geopark Association, was set up in February 2006. The following year in April 2007 Lochaber was finally awarded European and Global Geopark status.
Lochaber Geopark Association is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, The Highland Council, HIE Lochaber, Leader+, The Heritage Lottery Fund and The Robertson Trust.
LGA also works with a wide range of local and national organisations including: John Muir Trust, The Association of Lochaber Community Councils, Nevis Partnership, Outdoor Capital of the UK, British Geological Survey, Forestry Commission, National Trust for Scotland and Visit Scotland.
