Bringing Holyrood Park Legislation into the 21st Century

That the Parliament recognises Holyrood Park as one of Edinburgh’s premier open spaces and a place of national and international value; acknowledges what it sees as the benefits of the park to people, nature and heritage; recognises the park’s status as a scheduled monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest; notes the view that some rules related to the park are arguably overly restrictive and out of date, including limiting community engagement, fundraising activity and accessible transport; further notes the frustration of some park users regarding a sense of a lack of enforcement of existing rules governing the park and concerns over the long-term closure of the Radical Road and other amenities without consultation; considers that there is an opportunity to improve how the park is governed, the extent to which users and communities around it are engaged in informing governance decisions, how existing rules are enforced and operate and how the park serves visitors, locals and everyone who enjoys it while preserving its heritage, protecting its status and upholding what it believes is its internationally renowned reputation, and notes the view that this could include exploring whether elements of these issues could be addressed, where appropriate, by using primary legislation, through government legislation or through the introduction of a Member’s Bill in this area.