This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Next steps for Coastal and Marine National Park
21/03/2007
Over 70 per cent of respondents to a consultation indicated support in principle for a Coastal and Marine National Park.
However, the responses also revealed some concerns among fisheries, aquaculture and tourism businesses, relating to the economic impact of a Park.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie has written to the Enterprise Networks inviting them to review these concerns and to discuss further with relevant parties.
Mr Finnie said:
"The consultation showed strong and growing support for the idea of a Coastal and Marine National Park and the benefits it could bring to local and national tourism, local communities and businesses.
"However, the consultation has also raised some concerns. I take these seriously and I want to explore further the issues raised by respondents who are opposed to designation largely on economic grounds.
"I have written to the Enterprise Networks today to ask them to review these issues and to discuss further with relevant interests. I have also asked them to suggest measures and options for addressing the concerns raised, in line with the grain of the overall policy for National Parks. I want to discuss with them how we can achieve sustainable use and real benefits to all users of the marine and coastal environment in Scotland."
The initial results of this review will be reported to Ministers by the end of June 2007. The Executive, in parallel, will continue to work with a range of public sector bodies to develop proposals for a Coastal and Marine National Park.
Background:
The consultation on proposals to establish Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park was launched on October 11, 2006, closing on January 10, 2007.
940 responses were received to the consultation, representing a range of interests.
Further extensive consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny would be required as part of the statutory designation process required to establish any National Park. The process is set out in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000.