Cairngorms Pride CIC exists to create a new and dynamic festival for the Cairngorms National Park, addressing issues of social isolation, poor mental health, and lack of visibility for LGBTQ+ communities in this rural area of the Scottish Highlands.
Based on evidence from a recent community-led Pride consultation project (run by Somewhere EDI CIC), our new grassroots Pride festival will span the Cairngorms National Park, nearly 1800 sq miles. It will be delivered by local LGBTQ+ community initiatives and groups, and supported by the Park's community of allies and ally businesses. We want to provide a wide range of inclusive activities, connecting isolated communities, promoting kindness, acceptance, and a celebration of diverse lives and histories. As well as a signature Pride march, we anticipate creating a festival programme of wellbeing activities such as outdoor sports, nature walks, community crafting, music and performances, film nights, book groups and ceilidhs.
We are shaping the Festival into being the first UK Eco-Pride, as the Cairngorms National Park is a unique location, of which 49% is considered 'wild land' and considered to be of international importance for nature, and is protected by European Law (www.cairngorms.co.uk). Pride events generate a lot of waste and pollution, and have high levels of disposable consumables (flags, cups, food packaging, bunting, balloons, glitter etc.) as well as significant energy demand to support high levels of participation (plus travel costs and fuel consumption in private transport). Our Pride will have a green ethos at its core - promoting human-powered travel, sustainable and mindful consumption and increase environmental awareness as part of all the planned activities.
