This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Coastal and Marine National Park consultation
18/04/2006
Members of the public are being asked where they think the first Coastal and Marine National Park of its kind in Europe should be located in Scotland.
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie announced plans to launch a consultation in early summer today. It follows advice given to Ministers last month from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on possible candidate areas.
Speaking at the Scottish Coastal Forum Conference in Perth, Mr Finnie encouraged everyone to have their say. He said:
"There is a huge amount of interest, activity and diversity in our coasts and seas. It is crucial that coastal and marine based activity is managed in a sustainable manner which integrates socio-economic and environmental factors for the long-term benefit of our natural heritage and people.
"That is why I want to encourage all communities and stakeholders including the inshore fishery management groups to take part in the consultation we are announcing today.
"I can give an assurance that we will be listening to all views and will take all of them into account before any decision about the designation of a park is made."
The 2003 Partnership Agreement included a commitment to consult on the best strategy to protect and enhance Scotland's coastline, including the options for a National Park. The Executive did that in 2004.
In June last year Scottish Ministers commissioned Scottish Natural Heritage to report on the potential for Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park. SNH submitted their advice to Ministers on 31 March 2006.
SNH suggested a number of possible candidates for designation - Solway Firth; Argyll Islands and Coast; Ardnamurchan, Small Isles and the South of Skye Coast; North Skye and Wester Ross; North Uist, Sound of Harris and South Lewis.
The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 sets out the criteria and process for areas to be designated as National Parks in Scotland.