This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Proposals for future of Scotland's first national park
16/05/2005
Proposals which could shape the future of one of
Scotland's most scenic areas were launched today by Deputy
Environment Minister Lewis Macdonald.
The draft plan for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
National Park is the first of its kind in Scotland. It sets
out how the Park Authority proposes to guide the
development, conservation and enhancement of the area.
Launching the proposals for consultation during a visit
to Loch Katrine in the Trossachs, Lewis Macdonald said:
"This is an exciting time in the life of the Park
Authority and the launch today of the draft National Park
Plan marks a new chapter in its life.
"Much has been achieved since Scotland's first national
park was established in July 2002. A series of regeneration
projects, upgraded visitor centres, new pathways and
educational programmes have already begun to transform the
look and understanding of the area.
"Here at Loch Katrine, there are other exciting
developments, involving Forestry Commission Scotland,
Scottish Water and a local Charitable Trust, with Executive
support.
"Earlier this year, we agreed grants of up to £285,000
to cover emergency repairs and other costs for the
steamship Sir Walter Scott. These funds will secure the
operation of the ship and tourist facility at Loch Katrine
before a Charitable Trust takes over the operations.
"I urge all those with an interest in the future of this
spectacular area to participate fully in the
consultations."
The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 makes provision
for the establishment of National Parks in Scotland. The
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park was established
on July 8, 2002.
The National Park has four statutory aims. 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; and
- promote sustainable economic and social development
of the area's communities.
Sections 11 to 13 of the 2000 Act state that each
National Park Authority has a duty to prepare a National
Park Plan setting out the overall vision, policies and
specific objectives and programmes of actions to be pursued
within a National Park by it and other bodies (in so far as
they affect the National Park). The final Plan must be
submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval before it can
be adopted.
The main purpose of the Minister's visit was to help the
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Park Authority launch its
draft National Park Plan for public consultation, the first
Plan of its kind in Scotland. The National Park Authority
wants to hear from as many people as possible about the
content of the Plan. The consultation period lasts until
September. The final version of the Plan will be published
next year.
The Minister also highlighted other important activities
going on in the area, including the transfer of land in the
Katrine catchment area from Scottish Water to Forestry
Commission Scotland and the creation of a trust to operate
the Sir Walter Scott steamship.