- Nominations process begins
Communities and organisations are being invited to submit their
proposals to become Scotland’s next National Park.
A key commitment in the Bute House Agreement is to designate at
least one new National Park in Scotland by 2026, to bring
positive benefits for the environment and economy.
For the first time, nominations for a new Park will be driven
entirely by local communities and organisations, and all areas of
Scotland are eligible to submit proposals. To meet the criteria,
groups must be able to demonstrate, among other factors:
- outstanding national importance due to natural or culture
heritage
- a distinctive character and coherent identity
- how National Park status would meet the specific needs of the
area
- evidence of local support for the proposal
Detailed guidance has been published, and support will be
available for any group looking to explore or take forward a
proposal. The deadline for submissions is 29 February 2024.
Visiting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Minister
for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity commented:
“Scotland’s National Parks are among our greatest assets. They
are home to internationally renowned landscapes and nature, and
provide outstanding opportunities for recreation and local
communities. - They also play a crucial role in tackling climate
change and protecting our precious natural environment for future
generations.
“Now is the time to add to them. We believe that a new National
Park should be founded upon local community demand, which is why
we are launching this unique nominations process.
“In May we invited early expressions of interest and we have
already had a really positive response from communities and
organisations across the length and breadth of the country. This
is not at all surprising given just how much Scotland has to
offer.
“I encourage everyone that is considering putting forward a
proposal to read the guidance that we have published on the
Scottish Government website, and get in touch to find out about
the support available.”
Convener at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Authority Dr Heather Reid said:
“It is clear that more than ever we need our National Parks to
lead the way in showing what a more sustainable future could look
like.
“Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human
history and together with the climate emergency, these twin
crises are already having an impact on the country our children
and grandchildren will inherit.
“The people, communities and natural assets of Scotland’s
National Parks – existing and future - can contribute
significantly to Scotland’s efforts to restore nature, tackle
climate change and have greener economic growth.”
Cairngorms National Park Authority Board Convener Sandy Bremner
said:
"This is a great opportunity for communities in Scotland to join
the family of National Parks to tackle some of the biggest
challenges around nature loss, climate change & community
development.
“National Park status can bring enormous benefits to a region. It
offers a heightened focus on the protection and enhancement of
the area’s natural and cultural heritage. It can attract vital
support to hard-pressed communities, and bring people together to
achieve inspirational change."
Background
Access the
guidance
National Parks - Landscape and
outdoor access - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Areas that have submitted early expressions of interest in
becoming a National Park include:
- Galloway
- Scottish Borders
- Tay Forest
- Lochaber
- Eilean a' Cheo (Skye and Raasay)
- Affric to Alladale
- Glen Affric
- The Lammermuirs
- Largo Bay
- Loch Awe
The Scottish Government has committed to designating at least one
new National Park in Scotland by the end of this parliamentary
session in 2026, provided that relevant legal conditions can be
met, including compatibility with the application of other
regulatory frameworks in place or planned for the area.
As set out in the Bute House Agreement, Scottish Ministers have
been clear that new National Parks should be designated in
response to local community demand. They should bring
positive benefits to our environment and economy by supporting
progressive development, addressing the climate emergency and
improving public and community wellbeing.
In Spring 2024 all nominations will be appraised against the
criteria set out in the appraisal framework. This will
inform the decision of which area or areas should go forward for
designation as a new National Park.
In Summer 2024 NatureScot will carry out a detailed investigation
into the area or areas selected to become a new National
Park. Based on the outcome of that investigation,
legislation is expected to be brought forward in order to
designate at least one new National Park by 2026.
