client
Cairngorm National Park Authority
scope
sector
Public sector – Conservation and Planning Authority
Honouring young conservationists with a unique Cairngorms-inspired hoodie design
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is celebrating the achievements of Junior Rangers – young people aged 11–18 who protect nature. To honour their work, a specially commissioned hoodie design is awarded after completing the SCRA Junior Ranger Award.
Importantly, the design is based on creative ideas shared by the Rangers themselves. It marks their accomplishment and encourages their continued role as guardians of the Cairngorms landscape.
project brief
The aim was to create a one-colour graphic that celebrated the Junior Rangers’ journey and reflected the Park’s unique identity.
Crucially, the design had to include creative input from the young people involved. The challenge was to blend ideas from three age groups into one unified scene. This scene had to fit within the outline of the National Park’s shape. Key elements to be included within the design were: Cairngorms-inspired mountains, a Scots pine, a bird (like an osprey or lapwing), and a native animal (like a red squirrel or wildcat). Additionally, the silhouette of a Junior Ranger had to be featured.
The style needed to look hand-drawn and reflect the natural, organic feel of the Park. It also had to appeal to 11–18 year olds and be recognisable from a distance. Moreover, the design had to align with Park branding and express Dùthchas – the bond between nature, people, and place.
The approach
Hoodie Illustration
As requested in the brief, three design concepts were developed. They ranged from a detailed collage-style landscape to a symbolic patterned scene and a simple figure planting a tree.
These ideas were based on the Junior Rangers’ original drawings, interpreted to match the brand style. After reviewing the options, the Junior Rangers selected their favourite design for the final hoodie illustration.
Selected Concept
Alternate Design 1
Alternate Design 2
The Junior Rangers’ Choice
The chosen design combines detailed, close-up illustrations with a wide landscape inside the National Park outline. This approach shows both the intimacy and scale of the Cairngorms.
As a result, the hoodie becomes a wearable, collective symbol of achievement and connection to the landscape.
client testimonial
The original artwork Kirsty produced is beautiful and we can't wait to go to print
“Kirsty absolutely nailed our brief, able to come up with a choice of three excellent yet different designs for our junior rangers to choose from and feedback on. The original artwork Kirsty produced is beautiful and we can’t wait to go to print.”
– Pete Short, Park Authority Countryside Ranger (manages Junior Ranger Project)
A Humble Contribution
This project offered a great chance to turn young people’s ideas into a lasting symbol of their care for nature. More importantly, it created something they can wear with pride.
