A petition has been launched today urging the Scottish Government to create more National Parks in Scotland. The petition, which has been organised by two Scottish charities, the Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP) and The Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS), calls for at least one Coastal and Marine National Park.
Loch Lomond, part of the two Scottish National Parks
The petition is open for signature until 13 March on the Scottish Parliament’s website.
John Mayhew, Director of APRS, said: “Scotland’s landscapes rank amongst the best in the world, but we only have two National Parks, the highest national accolade which can be given to any place. Scotland’s first two National Parks have achieved a great deal in their first decade, and they inspire pride and passion amongst local people and visitors. There are other outstanding landscapes in Scotland worthy of National Park designation, and local and national public support for this.”
“More National Parks would generate many environmental, social and economic benefits. They would bring additional resources, strengthen Scotland’s international standing for environmental protection and support our crucial tourism industry. It is now time for the Scottish Government to prepare a strategy to designate more of Scotland’s land, coast and sea as National Parks.”
Ross Anderson, Chairman of SCNP, said: “We have not taken this step lightly. The Scottish Parliament rightly asks people not to submit a Petition until they have taken substantial action to resolve their issues of concern. This certainly applies in our case, as we have:
· Met every Environment Minister since 2004 to call for more National Parks
· Published a major report, Unfinished Business (2013), which sets out the case for a National Parks Strategy for Scotland and identifies seven suitable areas
· Engaged with many other national organisations and local communities
· Met MSPs for areas we propose as National Parks
· Published articles in monthly or quarterly magazines and newsletters”
“We urge everyone who treasures Scotland’s landscapes to sign our petition.”