Assessment of nominations will now begin.
Five areas in the Scottish Borders, Galloway, Lochaber, Loch Awe
and Tay Forest - are in the running to be Scotland’s next
National Park.
The Scottish Government committed to designating at least one new
park by 2026, to join Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond
and the Trossachs National Park.
Each proposal will now be appraised by the Scottish Government
against the published criteria and further consultation will be
held once a preferred site is identified, expected to be in the
summer.
Biodiversity Minister said:
“The Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Parks have
shown how valuable National Park status can be. Both Parks
are recognised for their incredible landscapes, their outstanding
natural and cultural heritage.
“National Park status has boosted their economies, supported
local business and engaged communities to make the parks work for
those who live and work in them. Once we have a site identified,
we will engage again with the people in the area to look at
determining things like park boundaries and balancing
environmental protection with helping the communities and local
enterprises thrive.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked so positively and
proactively with their local communities to discuss and explore
local priorities and the opportunities that National Park status
can bring, including those who ultimately chose not to nominate
their area. I look forward to meeting with those who have led the
nominations to hear directly from each community what they would
want to see from becoming a National Park.”
Kat Jones, Director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS),
said:
“Scotland has some of the richest and varied natural and cultural
landscapes in the world and is, rightly, world famous for them.
Of the 15 National Parks in the UK, Scotland has only two and we
are pleased that, 20 years since the first Scottish National Park
was designated, we will soon have another.
“National Parks in Scotland, in contrast to those in many other
parts of the world, are tasked to deliver for people, nature and
landscape. This recognition of how important people and
livelihoods are for our landscapes, means National Parks are in a
unique position to lead the way on the nature and climate crises
while also supporting thriving, sustainable communities.”
John Thomson, Chair of Scottish Campaign for National Parks
(SCNP), said:
“The process of inviting nominations from communities has
revealed widespread aspiration and interest in National Park
status. It's a strong signal that this should be the start of a
process for creating a suite of National Parks in Scotland, so
that communities can build on the fruitful discussions they have
had."
Background
The value of National
Parks in Scotland | NatureScot
The Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP) is dedicated to
the cause of existing and future national parks and other
protected landscapes in Scotland. Their primary aim is to
promote the protection, enhancement and enjoyment of
nationally outstanding areas https://www.scnp.org.uk/
APRS is Scotland’s Countryside Charity which campaigns to
protect, enhance and promote Scotland’s countryside and rural
landscapes for everyone’s benefit, and support others to do the
same. APRS has been campaigning on National parks since SCNP was
established eighty years ago www.aprs.scot
APRS and SCNP launched their latest campaign for National parks
in Scotland with the publication of ‘Unfinished Business’ in 2013
and updated in 2015.
Scottish Borders National
Park
Galloway National Park
Association
Loch Awe National Park
Tay Forest National Park - Perth
& Kinross Council (pkc.gov.uk)
Pàirc Nàiseanta Loch Abair
(nationalparkforlochaber.blogspot.com)
