Public’s views sought on possibility of new national park for Scotland

People are being invited to share their views on Scotland’s national parks as a consultation opens on plans to create the first new one in almost 20 years.

The Scottish Government committed to establishing at least one new national park in Scotland by the end of this parliamentary session in 2026, as part of the powersharing agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Green Party and the programme for government.

The public consultation will look at what people value about the country’s national parks and what they should deliver in future – in particular, how they can help to protect and restore nature, tackle climate change and promote sustainable land use.

It will also ask what criteria the Scottish Government should use to decide where the next

national park in Scotland should be.

Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater visited Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park to open the consultation, and speak to pupils, who have been involved in a local treeplanting project.

She said: “It is almost two decades since Scotland’s first national parks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms were established. Both are home to some of the country’s most outstanding scenery, are internationally important areas for nature, and receive millions of visitors each year.

“We are committed to establishing at least one new national park in Scotland by the end of this parliamentary session in 2026. To be able to do this, we need to be able to assess any new area which is to be considered for national park status against a set of agreed expectations.

“This is where we need your help. We want to gauge what people want their parks to deliver for the communities within their boundaries.

“I would strongly encourage everyone to take part and ensure your views are heard ”

The consultation can be found at https://www. ideas.gov.scot/ the-future-for-nationalparks-in-scotland

Lorna Slater.