Geoheritage case study: geotourism and geoparks in Scotland

This chapter assesses the progress of Scotland's three geoparks in the context of the historical growth of geotourism in Scotland from the late 18th century onwards. Early geotourism had a strong experiential basis grounded in the Romantic Movement and a focus on sublime and picturesque landscapes represented in travel journals, literature and art. Conversely, modern approaches to geotourism have had a much stronger didactic focus on geoheritage interpretation, although this is now changing with recognition of the need to stimulate 'a sense of wonder' for the more general visitor compared with the dedicated geotourist. Geoparks now foster the popular appeal of geoheritage through creative activities and cultural engagement in ways that support sustainable economic development particularly in rural areas. The success of Scotland's geoparks has been tempered by a lack of long-term core funding, sustainable business and marketing models and integration of geoheritage and geotourism into broader social, economic and conservation policy and policy support measures for rural areas. Further involvement in integrated interpretation of the natural and cultural heritage and development of international partnerships to explore and promote common themes and regional geoheritage identities offer promising new opportunities to promote geoheritage and geoconservation. Geoparks have an essential part to play in supporting local communities, businesses and geoconservation, and in helping to deliver Scotland's Geodiversity Charter.