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
01/03/2007
More than two thirds of people who responded to the Executive's consultation on Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park support the idea in principle.
An analysis of 940 responses published today shows that 72 per cent of respondents favoured the establishment of a Park.
The consultation also revealed significant detailed concerns from sectoral interests about aspects of specific locations. Ten per cent of respondents believed that the case has yet to be made or that a Coastal and Marine National Park is unnecessary.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:
"This consultation has shown strong and growing support for the idea of a Coastal and Marine National Park.
"However, the consultation has also raised some serious concerns. Support for a park is not unqualified even among those who back the idea and a minority of respondents are opposed to designation largely on economic grounds.
"We take those concerns seriously and will now consider how best to address the issues raised."
Following the Partnership Agreement of 2004, Scottish Ministers announced their intention to develop a proposal for Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park.
A consultation paper was launched in October 2006. More than 900 responses were received from individuals and organisations on the issues surrounding designation, including: benefits, selection criteria, location and boundaries, the functions, powers and governance arrangements of a Park Authority; and potential financial implications.
The summary report, published today, follows the general structure of the consultation paper and will inform Ministers' decisions. No decisions have yet been taken.