Areas nominated to become Scotland's third national park unveiled

There are currently two national parks in Scotland - the Cairngorms, and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs - and the Scottish government has pledged "at least one" new park will be designated by spring 2026.

Jenness Mitchell

Scotland reporter

Friday 1 March 2024 15:03, UK

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The five areas in the running to be Scotland's newest national park have been unveiled.

Areas in the Scottish Borders, Galloway, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest have been nominated to become Scotland's third national park.

There are currently two national parks north of the border - the Cairngorms, and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs.

The Scottish government has pledged "at least one" new park will be designated by spring 2026.

Each proposal will now be appraised by Holyrood against the published criteria and further consultation will be held once a preferred site is identified, which is expected to be announced in the summer.

Biodiversity minister Lorna Slater said: "The Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs parks have shown how valuable national park status can be. Both Parks are recognised for their incredible landscapes, their outstanding natural and cultural heritage.

"National park status has boosted their economies, supported local business and engaged communities to make the parks work for those who live and work in them.

"Once we have a site identified, we will engage again with the people in the area to look at determining things like park boundaries and balancing environmental protection with helping the communities and local enterprises thrive.

"I look forward to meeting with those who have led the nominations to hear directly from each community what they would want to see from becoming a national park."

The new park will bring the total number of national parks in the UK to 16.

Campaigners backing the Scottish Borders National Park bid said: "There is an unrivalled opportunity to understand and appreciate the epic story of the evolution of the Scottish Border land and its communities in this relatively undisturbed area of spectacular landscapes and ancient settlements.

"There is a timeless quality to the landscape and yet it is still a living and working landscape which continues to be shaped by the people who live here."

The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSABP) bid has touted the area as "Scotland in miniature".

Despite its natural beauty, economically it is one of the poorest rural regions in Scotland.

Rob Lucas, GNPA chair, said: "Galloway is extraordinary. Its rolling hills, open moorlands, mountains, rivers, lochs, rugged coasts and seascapes mean it comes as close as any region realistically can to being a Scotland in miniature.

"National park designation would make the most of these assets, protecting and enhancing them for our common future.

"Galloway is one Scotland's poorest rural regions and national park status would be the perfect way to boost prosperity for all by building a vibrant sustainable economy."

Campaigners championing for a national park in Lochaber highlighted how it is home to the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and features Atlantic rainforest and ancient Caledonian pine forest.

It is believed national park status would help ease the current pressure of visitor numbers due to extra resources funnelled into the region.

The campaigners also noted: "A national park would give us the option of bringing the planning authority back to Lochaber.

"Currently The Highland Council is the planning authority, and it can feel like decisions are made a long way away.

"There is a housing crisis right across the Highlands and most of Scotland. National parks can help by demanding that more affordable housing is built as a proportion of new builds."

Those behind the Loch Awe application said the "majestic" freshwater lake in the heart of Argyll and Bute is "renowned for its rich history, vast expanse, and significant water catchment area".

At around 25 miles in length, it is the longest freshwater loch in Scotland.

The campaigners noted: "Loch Awe's historical importance is further underscored by its association with Clan Campbell, one of Scotland's most prominent and influential clans.

"The loch has witnessed various events throughout the ages, and its waters hold stories of battles, legends, and the resilience of the communities that have thrived along its shores."

Perth and Kinross Council, which is behind the Tay Forest National Park bid, highlighted the region's 200,000 acres of woodland and said it was "only right" that the "staggering River Tay" be a featured element in the plans and the application's name.

The local authority said: "Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and as a Special Area of Conservation, the river is noted for its importance for salmon, otters, brook lampreys, river lampreys and sea lampreys.

"The Tay also has a flagship population of freshwater pearl mussels; an endangered species which makes it critically important that existing populations are preserved.

"We believe that the Tay Forest National Park will be an area where nature will be allowed to thrive and the natural biodiversity of the region will go from strength to strength."

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