Question reference: S6W-03973
- Asked by: Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 28 October 2021
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Current status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 8 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria will be used to assess any bids for national park status.
Answer
To be eligible for National Park Status, under the provisions of the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 the area must meet the following 4 Aims:
(a) to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area,
(b) to promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area,
(c) to promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public, and
(d) to promote sustainable economic and social development of the area’s communities
In addition, the Act specifies 3 Conditions which are to be met before a National Park can be designated:
(a) that the area is of outstanding national importance because of its natural heritage or the combination of its natural and cultural heritage,
(b) that the area has a distinctive character and a coherent identity, and
(c) that designating the area as a National Park would meet the special needs of the area and would be the best means of ensuring that the National Park aims are collectively achieved in relation to the area in a co-ordinated way
Satisfying the Aims and Conditions of National Park will be the first step in identifying the area or areas to be taken forward. Further criterion will be required to evaluate the list of candidate areas. The first step in the process will be to develop and publicise this initial evaluation process.