Scotland's New National Park stakeholder consultation launched

Next stage of National Park consultation

The next stage of the Scottish Government’s commitment to establish at least one new National Park in the lifetime of this parliament, by spring 2026, begins today (7 October) with the launch of a consultation.

The New National Park stakeholder consultation, led by NatureScot, is inviting contributions which will help define how a new National Park will:

• protect and restore nature
• tackle climate change
• promote sustainable land use

It follows on from The Future for National Parks in Scotland online discussion launched earlier this year by the Scottish Government

NatureScot has already established a national stakeholder advisory group to bring together a wide range of organisations and sectors with an interest in achieving this goal.

Now further key stakeholder and interest groups from across Scotland’s local authorities, visitor destination groups, conservation, planning and education bodies are being invited to contribute to the new National Park consultation about the role of Scotland’s National Parks and the criteria for selecting a new one.

Scotland’s National Parks

It’s nearly 20 years since the first two National Parks were created in Scotland. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park was established in 2002 and Cairngorms National Park was established in 2003, following the approval of the National Parks (Scotland) Act in 2000.

National Park status helps to safeguard and enhance the special qualities of these two areas, balancing the needs of people, landscape and nature.

The two existing park locations are some of the most heavily visited areas in the country.

The Park authorities help to co-ordinate work to benefit the area in the long-term, with local people being more involved in these decisions.

Alongside conserving and enhancing nature, Scotland’s National Parks also have aims to promote:

• the sustainable use of the area’s natural resources
• the public’s understanding and enjoyment of its special features
• the social and economic development of the communities who live there

Background

At this stage, NatureScot is not seeking views on specific areas for new National Parks but opportunities for this will follow during the next stages of work in 2023 when the Scottish Government will invite nominations for new National Park areas.

There will be further consultation during the statutory process of designation of a selected area or areas running up to 2026, when The Scottish Parliament will take all final decisions on the establishment of a new National Park.

Further information on NatureScot’s commission to support the establishment of a new National Park for Scotland can be found on our website.