Corrie Fee is Scotland's newest National Nature Reserve

The 164-hectare reserve is at the southern edge of the Cairngorms and was part of the old Caenlochan NNR.

It is home to some of Britain's rarest mountain plants and birds, including golden eagle and peregrine.

Corrie Fee is described by SNH as "an outstanding example" of the Cairngorm mountains landscape.

The agency's manager for Tayside, Phil Gaskell, said: "Its magnificent view and walks draw up to 20,000 visitors each year."

"We hope people will welcome the new Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve and will not only visit but will get involved in its future."

New criteria

Corrie Fee, in Glen Doll north of Kirriemuir, was part of the old Caenlochan National Nature Reserve. The new area lies within the old 1,637-hectare site, covering Corrie Fee, Corrie Sharroch and the slopes of Craig Rennet.

The wider Caenlochan NNR is one of several being "de-declared" as part of an SNH review to redefine the designation of sites. To meet the new criteria, NNRs must be managed primarily for nature conservation.

SNH said the areas of Caenlochan that had been de-declared were managed for a wider set of objectives, although their plants and wildlife would still be protected under UK and European designations.

The rare yellow oxytropis flourishes in Corrie Fee

The new NNR lies immediately southof the Balmoral Estate. Peter Ord, the estate factor, said: "Under the new criteria, we feel it is not appropriate for our ground to be included, as ours is primarily a working area for grouse and deer management.

"We wish the new NNR well and we are proud that the important wildlife and habitats in this area of the Cairngorms are recognised."

The Corrie Fee site is one of the best in Britain for mountain plants, particularly rare arctic-alpine plants, montane willow scrub and upland birds.

Red Data Book species and nationally scarce plants such as purple coltsfoot, Alpine woodsia and yellow oxytropis also flourish in the area.

Public access to the new site will remain unchanged, as it is covered by the Land Reform Act and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.