This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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The country's newest National Park
01/09/2003
The formal transfer of powers to establish Scotland's
newest National Park Authority was completed today.
Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson joined Liz
Hanna, the great great granddaughter of National Parks
founder John Muir at the Cairngorms National Park - which
is the largest in the United Kingdom with an area of 1,466
square miles.
In the restaurant of the Ptarmigan centre near the
summit of Cairngorm, the Minister said:
"The Cairngorms has long been recognised as one of
Scotland's most important areas of natural heritage and
encompasses some of Scotland's most valuable natural
habitats.
"It is fitting that Liz Hanna, John Muir's great great
granddaughter should perform today's ceremony at the Park
as it is of international importance as well as being a
tremendous asset to Scotland's natural heritage and making
a significant contribution to tourism and recreation.
"I am therefore delighted that we honoured our pledge to
create two National Parks within the first term of the
Scottish Parliament. Although the Park Authority has been
established for some months, today is an important landmark
as the authority takes on its full operational powers.
"From today it has, for instance, a vital part to play
on planning issues in the area. I am sure that it will
exercise these powers sensitively and creatively, taking
fully into account the views and aspirations of the Park's
communities."
In commemoration of the occasion, Mr Wilson was
presented with a painting of the Lairig Ghru by local
artist, Ann Vastano.
The Cairngorms National Park Designation, Transitional
and Consequential Provisions (Scotland) Order 2003
designated the boundaries for the Park and set its
establishment date as March 25.
From today the Park Authority has powers to call in for
its consideration any planning application for a proposed
development in the Park area which could impact on the
National Park aims.
The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland's second
National Park (the first was Loch Lomond and the Trossachs)
and is the largest in the UK (1,466 square miles) and one
of the biggest in Europe.
The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 makes provision
for the establishment of National Parks in Scotland.
The 25-member National Park Authority was created with a
remit to:
- conserve and enhance the natural and cultural
heritage of the area
- promote sustainable use of the natural resources of
the area
- promote understanding and enjoyment (including
enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special
qualities of the area by the public
- promote sustainable economic and social development
of the area's communities