Scotland's first coastal and marine national park: A consultation

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SELECTING THE LOCATION OF SCOTLAND's FIRST COASTAL AND MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Background

SNH carried out a series of assessments to evaluate areas which might be considered as candidates for designation as a Coastal and Marine National Park. SNH's advice did not define boundaries for the options contained in their report. As provided for in the National Parks (Scotland) Act even the final proposal would only describe the area in general terms since the whole purpose of the process set out in the Act that would follow this consultation exercise is to provide for a process of further consultation to inform the subsequent decision of Ministers on matters such as Park boundaries.

What should be the basis for selecting the location?

The Scottish approach to National Parks enshrined in the Act contains a number of key principles, including:

The Park area should be of outstanding national importance for natural heritage, or the combination
of natural and cultural heritage;
The area should have a distinctive character and coherent identity;
Designating the area as a National Park would meet the special needs of the area and be the best means of ensuring that the National Park aims are collectively achieved in relation to the area in a co-ordinated way.

In addition to the above three principles, Ministers considered two further factors as being important considerations in identifying a suitable area, namely that:

Designation of the area would make a significant contribution to the social and economic development of its communities;
The area should be, or have the potential to be, generally accessible to the population of Scotland.

Comments on whether the final selection should be based on these factors are invited, including how accessibility can best be considered.

The decision on area selection is crucial not just in terms of the how it can influence the future of the area itself, and the people and businesses located there, but also because the area in which the Park will be located will be a key issue in determining other matters such as the overall role of the Park Authority and it structure and functions. The Executive considers the criteria outlined above to be a sound basis for selecting the final location but also takes the view there should be public support for the designation of an area.

Are there other factors that should also be considered when selecting the location? Consultees are invited to rank the proposed criteria in order of preference.

SNH followed a three stage assessment process. The first stage involved dividing Scotland's coastal and marine environment into 16 divisions based on a previous analysis of coastal seascapes and then assessing them to identify extensive areas of outstanding national importance based on their importance for biodiversity, landscape, enjoyment and recreation and cultural heritage.

Candidate Areas Identified by SNH

Stage 2 was concerned with the generation of more specific geographic proposals and focused on the second criterion, namely that the area has to have a distinctive character and coherent identity. An approximate naming and delineation of each of the possible areas was developed and the outstanding natural heritage importance of these possible areas was also undertaken. A long-list of 10 possible areas emerged.

The identification of discrete areas along the West coast between Wester Ross and Kintyre proved problematic and similar difficulties were experienced in developing specific proposals for individual parts of Shetland and, to a lesser extent, Orkney. SNH also concluded that the management needs of larger areas such as the Minch were better addressed at the national level and that there were no viable areas of any suitable scale on the east mainland coast because of the more developed and intensive land and shipping use of much of the east mainland coast.

The third stage was concerned with the evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the case for National Park status of each of the long list of 10 areas identified at stage 2. This focused on the third condition, namely that designating the area would meet the special needs of the area, as well as the request by Ministers to consider added value and accessibility. The following are identified as being strong possible candidate areas:

Solway
Argyll Islands and Coast
Ardnamurchan, Small Isles and the South Skye Coast
North Skye Coast and Wester Ross;
North Uist, Sound of Harris, Harris and South Lewis.

Ministers agree that these are probably the strongest candidates in terms of the criteria set. Within this short
list two areas in particular, Argyll Islands and Coast and Ardnamurchan, Small Isles and the South Skye Coast
are identified as possible strongest all round candidates for Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park. A combination of these two areas (for example taking in Mull, Coll, Tiree, the Sound of Mull, Ardnamurchan, the Small Isles and the South Skye Coast) might also be a strong candidate.

Shetland, Orkney, South Uist and Barra, and the Clyde and Moray Firths are the other five areas identified as possible candidates.

Further details on the assessment of the areas can be viewed at
http://www.snh.gov.uk/strategy/CMNP/sr-adnp01.asp

Ministers are keen to know consultees' views on the area for designation as Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park.

Which area do you consider to be the strongest candidate as a Coastal and Marine National Park?

In particular do consultees agree that:

The strongest all round case can be made for Argyll Islands and Coast area and Ardnamurchan, Small Isles and South Sky Coast area?
A combination of these two areas would also be a strong candidate?

Any other views on the areas outlined or other areas not identified are also invited.

Argyll Islands and Coast

The extensive coastline of this area contains an outstanding range of marine and coastal habitats, landscape features and important species. A substantial part is internationally important for its geological interest, including the columnar basalts of Staffa. The combination of land and sea, the views across open water, the movement of waves and tidal currents interspersed by rocky skerries and the quality of light, are all important characteristics of the landscapes of this area.

Each of the islands has its own special character, with a number of important habitats. Low moors, mudflats and wide sandy beaches on Islay; remote moorland and hills on Jura; cliffs and mountains on Mull and the sandy beaches and machair on Coll and Tiree. Other coastal habitats include sand dunes, rocky shores, and saltmarshes, species-rich grasslands and West Atlantic oak and hazel woods. Important marine features include the tidal rapids of Loch Sween and Sunart, the canyons and the pinnacle at the heart of the Corryvreckan and the tide swept rocky habitats of the Firth of Lorn and Treshnish. Loch Feochan supports a nationally rare habitat, beds of the free-floating seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii, while the Sound of Iona and Loch Sween support important maerl and native oyster beds.

The smaller islands are favoured by common and grey seals, and otters are abundant. Harbour porpoise, minke whales and other cetaceans are common and the area is often visited by basking sharks and occasionally by leatherback turtles. There are abundant populations of coastal breeding birds such as red-throated divers, storm petrel, guillemot, puffin and eider, as well as birds of prey including golden eagle, hen harrier and white-tailed sea eagle. Tiree, Coll and Islay support half of the UK breeding population of corncrake. There are also important populations of wintering wildfowl and waders, notably geese on Islay and other islands.

The impact of early Celtic peoples remains strong in the archaeology, place names and patterns of settlement. Of particular note are remains of defended settlements (forts, duns and brochs) of Iron Age and later date and recent work has demonstrated that this area also contains significant numbers of Mesolithic camp sites. The Argyll coast has, in the past, had strong connections with Ireland: first, through the foundation of the Scottic kingdom of Dalriada; secondly, as a consequence of the establishment by St Columba of the abbey on Iona. The importance of the area in the medieval period is revealed by the number of castles built along the coast. The association with high status architecture continued into the 18th and 19th centuries with the construction of numerous mansion houses. Many of the latter now service the tourist industry, which developed in the 19th century, and is focused on the hub at Oban. Some stretches of the coast include good examples of crofting landscapes. Historical features, such as standing stones, are prominent throughout the area. Ancient stone circles in areas now covered by peat may indicate land that was once settled and farmed in earlier times when a drier climate prevailed; runrig patterns and long-derelict head dykes above the current head dykes confirm an earlier more actively-farmed past.

At Kilmartin, the richness of the archaeology and history creates important historic landscapes worthy of special regard and protection. On Eileach and Naoimh the most southerly of the Garvellachs there is the remains of a monastery and the beehive cells used by the monks for private meditation. Lighthouses at Fladda, Dubh Artach and Skerrie Vore area a reminder of the important seafaring history of the area. There is potential for discovery of early shipping remains relating to the sea routes of the Kingdom of Dalriada and the Lord of the Isles. Association with known terrestrial sites is important in this respect as is proven by the identified 17th-century wrecks of the Sound of Mull, three of which are designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 ( Mingary Castle, Duart Point wreck, HMSDartmouth).

The ancient cultural heritage, including the early Christian associations of St Columba and the abbey on Iona, a range of impressive coastal medieval castles and the cultural legacy of the maritime and fishing activities are all well exploited in the current tourist activities that are a vital part of the local economy. Further, the geological and natural landscape formations also present unparalleled scenic beauty that is valued by both the local population and by visitors to the area. These coastal landscapes have been the inspiration of Scottish artists and the area is enjoying a revival in Gaelic language and arts. Outdoor sports and activities such as kayaking, diving and mountain biking are pursued in the hills, lochs and stretches of accessible sea in the area, while the diverse and abundant wildlife attracts increasing numbers of wildlife tourists. The educational and research potential of the area's natural heritage is increasingly being recognised.

The population of the entire area has been declining and is generally older and more affluent than the national average. However, this is not uniform across the islands and coastline and there are pockets of significant social and economic deprivation alongside economically thriving communities. Apart from servicing the tourist activity, the local population is engaged primarily in agricultural and sea-based industries. Fish landings have declined in recent years, although the ports of Oban, Tobermory and Fionnphort remain busy, serving the transport, fishing and tourist needs of the area. Crofting remains an important economic (and cultural) activity on the islands, and similarly, distilling is an important activity on Islay and Jura.

The extensive coastline of this area contains an outstanding range of marine and coastal habitats, landscape features and important species. The combination of land and sea, the views across open water, the movement of waves and tidal currents interspersed by rocky skerries and the quality of light, are all important characteristics of the landscapes of this area.

Firth of Clyde

The area contains a diversity of nature conservation interests, though its outstanding national importance for marine biodiversity is perhaps less overall than some of the other areas. The landscape can be divided into three distinct parts: the inner Firth, the north west, and the south. The inner Firth of Clyde and upper east coast is very much influenced by people and industry. In the north west human influence is still apparent in the mosaic of farmlands, forestry plantations, and fish farms, but the sea lochs penetrate deep into the land mass and the hills are often high, providing a more intimate and isolated experience. Finally, the south is dominated by open sea punctuated by the rugged peaks of Arran and the Ailsa Craig.

The coast from Gourock to the mouth of Loch Ryan is characterised by extensive coastal development interspersed by areas of intertidal mud and sand flats. Extensive sand dunes are also present, some modified by golf course development. Further west the coast is mostly rocky and locally important for common seals, grey seals, cormorants and eiders, while isolated islands provide undisturbed habitat for breeding terns and other seabirds. Within the inner Firth, there are also extensive intertidal mud and sandflats, shingles, and smaller areas of coastal grassland and saltmarsh. These intertidal areas support nationally and internationally bird populations of wintering wildfowl and waders, particularly redshank. The cliffs of Ailsa Craig are famous for their gannet colony and other seabirds, including the recent return of breeding puffins.

In the Clyde, the character of the seabed communities is more akin to the Irish Sea than to the rest of the West Coast of Scotland. Notably, Kilbrannan Sound is one of the deepest areas of seabed on the UK continental shelf. Basking sharks appear in significant numbers off Ayrshire during the summer, while common and grey seals occur throughout the tidal reaches of the river Clyde. Loch Fyne is an example of a typical Scottish sea loch and the rare anemone Pachycerianthus multiplicatus is found in dense populations here.

Famed for its ship-building history, the Clyde area has a very rich heritage. The inner Clyde is renowned for buildings and structures associated with the mercantile trade and ship-building industry, and today the Firth of Clyde remains important for shipping and includes the vital channel, the Crinan Canal. It also has a significant prehistoric heritage, represented by the Mesolithic camp sites found around the raised beaches of Ayrshire, the defended settlements (forts and duns) of the Iron Age situated around the coasts of Kintyre and Arran, and the marine crannogs of the inner Firth of Clyde; in addition, some sections of the coast of Kintyre and Arran include good examples of crofting landscapes. The inner Firth of Clyde is renowned for buildings and structures reflecting the history of Glasgow's mercantile trade and ship building industry, while the towns along the coast contain private and public buildings and structures associated with the 19th and 20th century recreation and tourist industries. The prehistoric archaeology of Arran, especially at Machrie Water, is particularly rich. Paddle steamer wrecks (the Iona, the Champion and the Princess of Wales) have been discovered in the area and some large intact wrecks (the Akka, the Wallachia and the wrecks of the Ailsa Craig are important intact examples of coastal and ocean-going merchant vessels) are popular with divers. Intellectual access to the Clyde's important shipbuilding and trading heritage is provided by museums in Glasgow (Museum of Transport and the Tall Ship at Glenlee) and at the Scottish Maritime Museum at Irvine.

The Clyde is of major importance for marine recreation. Ease of access from Glasgow and other local population centres, along with the quality of the sailing, makes the coastal water popular for yachting and windsurfing. The distinctive mountains of Arran provide climbing and hill walking with extensive views of the Clyde, while the island of Bute is a popular venue for those involved in less energetic forms of recreation, such as enjoying the scenery of the area. The importance of the tourism sector is reflected in the many hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses found in Arran and Kintyre, and the seaside towns of Ayrshire.

In addition to tourism, there is a high proportion of employment in crafts, trades and manual work. The Firth of Clyde has long supported an inshore fishing industry and salmon farming is practised in a number of areas, including Loch Fyne and the east coast of the Kintyre peninsula. The local population are primarily employed in these sectors. While significant difference exists between different areas of the Clyde, overall there is a lower than average economic activity rate and the number of unemployment claimants is high.

Another key pressure in the area is the high demand for coastal development, especially along the highly-populated towns of Ayrshire and the inner Clyde, increasingly accommodating commuter populations of Glasgow workers.

Lochaber and South Skye Coast

The area contains a range of important marine and coastal habitats and species. Sea, lochs and mountains dominate the scenery with wide and distant views, and excellent quality of light. Skye's Cuillin Hills, and the hills of Eigg provide a distant backdrop when travelling by sea. On the mainland the experience is more intimate with a patchwork of crofts, farms, and forestry covering the rolling hills. Long sea lochs such as Loch Sunart penetrate into the mountainous interior and the coastal influence remains strong.

Hard rock cliffs and slopes are the most frequent coastal habitats in the area, though Loch Moidart contains one of the largest expanses of intertidal mudflats and sandflats in western Scotland. The coasts of the islands are mostly exposed but on the mainland they are very sheltered, and do not display the expected maritime influences in their vegetation. A wide range of marine habitats is present including some of the deepest underwater cliffs in Britain. Wide variations in tidal ranges, seabed types and water depths provide good conditions for kelp forests, horse mussel beds and flame shell beds. The Sound of Arisaig supports some of the most extensive beds of the coralline seaweed maerl in the UK, with very rich associated communities and some rare and scarce species. Sheltered parts of Lochs Sunart and Ailort support the nationally rare free-floating seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii.

The inshore waters are an important wintering area for red-throated and black-throated divers. High densities of golden eagle, and a high proportion of the British white-tailed sea eagle population are also found here. Rum has the largest Manx shearwater colony in Britain, almost one-third of the world's population, nesting in burrows above 450m. The sea lochs and inshore waters are also nursery areas for many commercial fish species such as saithe, cod, plaice, sprat and herring. Common and grey seals occur widely, while minke whales and harbour porpoises are seen frequently. Otters are common around the whole coast, and basking sharks and leatherback turtles are also seen occasionally.

An example of the rich cultural heritage of the area, Mesolithic finds on Rum provide evidence for widespread movement by boat between the Small Isles in this period, and sea level rise has lead to the suggestion that there is potential for prehistoric remains to be discovered in shallow, submerged cave systems and ledges around Skye. There has been little archaeological survey in much of the area but what has been done suggests considerable potential for the survival of the remains of human settlement. Sites have been identified with the Lord of the Isles, medieval use (small harbours, fish traps, bothies), the Highland Clearances, fishing (including a disused basking shark fishing station on Soay), merchant trading and wartime use.

An area with a rich natural and cultural heritage, Lochaber and South Skye contain some of Scotland's finest highland scenery, attracting large numbers of visitors every year. Fort William that lies within the Lochaber area is known as the 'outdoor capital of the UK'. Coastal and hill walking, caving, and mountain biking are only some of the popular outdoor recreation activities. In many areas, the sea lochs with their rich wildlife and clear water attract divers. More leisurely recreation is focused on enjoying the quality and variety of the landscape, the distinctive history, culture and wildlife of the area.

The importance of the area in the medieval period is revealed by the number of coastal castles and this continued into the 18th and 19th centuries with the construction of several mansion houses, most notably Kinloch Castle on Rum. Mallaig was a planned fishing settlement built at the beginning of the 20th century with the coming of the railway. There are a number of popular diving wrecks in the area.

Tourism is now the most significant economic activity in the area. Many facilities have been provided to cater for the large influx of visitors. Agriculture is still important, particularly crofting, which is also a key element of social cohesion. Forestry and fisheries (and most recently aquaculture) also provide local employment.

Sea, lochs and mountains dominate the scenery with wide and distant views, and excellent quality of light. Skye's Cuillin Hills, and the hills of Eigg provide a distant backdrop when travelling by sea. On the mainland the experience is more intimate with a patchwork of crofts, farms, and forestry covering the rolling hills.

Moray Firth

The area contains a large diversity of coastal habitats and species, and the dominance of broad firths, large rivers and low-Iying coastal farmland lends expansiveness to the landscape. To the west, the large Firths of Beauly, Cromarty and Dornoch extend the marine influence deep into the coastal plain. The Firths give a rhythmic, repetitive sequence of firth, ness and rolling farmland while the northern coastal plain is much narrower, with uplands dominating the horizon. Along the south shore the landscape rises from broad sweeps of sand and shingle to a lowland agricultural landscape and then to higher hills and moorland. Inverness and its hinterland is one of the fastest-growing areas in Scotland, and there is a degree of industrial growth with large developments forming prominent features.

The inner firths consist of extensive tidal sand and mudflats fringed, in parts, by saltmarsh, while the larger rivers are often emphasised by riparian woodland. These areas are rich in marine invertebrates and plant species, such as nationally scarce eelgrasses, and provide important food and shelter to internationally important populations of migratory wildfowl and waders. Culbin is the best example in the UK of a shingle spit virtually undisturbed by human activity while Morrich More supports the best example of juniper on sand dunes. Rare coastal plants such as oysterplant occur locally, and the bare sandstone cliffs reveal geological processes and contain important fossil records.

The marine environment provides a home to one of only three known resident populations of bottlenose dolphins to be found in UK waters. Common seals and grey seals are also common while harbour porpoise, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, pilot whales and killer whales can also be seen, especially in the outer firth. Otters are also widely distributed along the coast. Breeding seabirds occur in large numbers on the Caithness cliffs. The waters of the Moray Firth are an important foraging area for the osprey that breed in the hinterland, and during the winter months, large numbers of long-tailed duck, common and velvet scoters, as well as divers, auks and shags congregate here.

There are a significant number of archaeological sites on the coast and in the intertidal zone of the Moray Firth area, most notably in the area between Nigg to the south and Tarbat Ness. These include Mesolithic and Neolithic deposits and sites, and crannogs and major forts of the Iron Age and first millennium AD, such as Burghead and Cullykhan. The sand dunes, particularly Culbin Sands, are rich in archaeological material. The famous Black Isle is well renowned in local culture, with the Scottish writer Lewis Grassic Gibbon reflecting this in his famous trilogy, 'A Scots Quair'. Nigg Peninsula has a strong connection with early Christianity, while Fort George is an example of 18th century military architecture, today operating as a working army barracks and welcoming visitors in its guise as a Historic Scotland visitor attraction. There are significant remains of Second World War defences, particularly pill boxes and anti-tank blocks. There is a major survival of wooden anti-glider defences in the nature reserve west of Findhorn. Valentine tanks used in secret D-Day landing trials in Findhorn can be visited. There are well preserved and accessible wrecks in the area, and there have been further shipping losses close to harbour entrances, but relatively few wrecks have been discovered despite growing diving activity, so there is potential for increasing knowledge through recreational diving groups with the skills to cope with the exposed conditions.

The geological and natural landscape formations are also valued by locals and visitors alike. The wider coastal area supports a population of some 200,000 people, a large proportion of the total population of the northwest Highlands. Built development is a key influence on the natural heritage within the Moray Firth, whether it be associated with the expanding settlements or with the oil and associated shipping and port industries, although there are some areas of significant deprivation. The enterprise profile is skewed by Inverness, but agriculture, forestry and fisheries are locally important elsewhere. An offshore windfarm demonstration project is currently being established 25 km off the Caithness coast and this may lead to other renewable energy developments in the future. Dolphins and eco-tourism are a major growth industry, providing facilities for local people and many visitors are attracted by the area's coastal scenery and birds. Although there are a large number of marinas (along with harbours and ports), and tourism is significant, it is not a dominant industry.

The area is also important for outdoor recreation. The Moray Coast Trail provides walking access to the fishing towns and harbours of the Moray Coast. Forested areas provide good opportunities for informal recreation activities, while walking is also popular on the easily accessible sandy beaches. Moreover, some of the best-known golf courses in Scotland are located in the Moray Firth area.

North Uist, Sound of Harris and South Lewis

This area contains a distinctive range of important marine habitats and species. The landscape is characterised by the contrast between the subdued topography of most of Lewis and the rugged hills of South Lewis and Harris which rise suddenly out of an expanse of blanket bog. Cnoc-and-lochan and rocky indented coast and islets dominate the east coast of Harris and wide sandy, machair beaches and dunes contained between rocky headlands dominate the west coast. These rocky headlands are sculpted by the oceans into impressive stacks and other geomorphological features.

Intertidal sandflat communities of worms and molluscs, sheltered and exposed rocky coasts, saline lagoons and reefs are all present. Loch nam Madadh (Loch Maddy), an interlace of land and sea, and the extensive system of freshwater lochs and lochans in the North Uist hinterland which drain into it, forms the most diverse saline lagoon system in Europe. The spectacular offshore islands have distinct maritime vegetation, including on cliffs and ledges which are important for breeding seabirds, wintering geese, and breeding grey seals.

Marine mammals are common but have favoured localities at different times of year. In August, whales and dolphins come into shallower waters to feed on squid and spawning fish. Common seals are abundant all year round in the Sound of Harris, giving birth on rocky coasts and skerries (sgeirs) during the summer. Large numbers of grey seals collect in remote colonies to give birth in late autumn. Most colonies prefer rocky exposed islands like Shillay, Coppay, Haskeir, and Gasker; but the largest colony in the Western Isles, and the second largest in the world, is found on the sandy beaches of the Monach Isles. Otters are also numerous.

Puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and gulls are common on the Shiants while nocturnal petrels are also present in the Sound of Harris. Fulmars nest at the mouth of rabbit burrows in the dunes, and there are large numbers of black guillemots nesting among the boulders and rocks of storm beaches. The area holds internationally important corncrake and farmland wader populations, and is a stronghold for the increasingly rare corn-bunting, and for resident native greylag geese. Important populations of barnacle geese gather in winter on the Monachs and the Shiants, where they graze on the maritime grassland and machair.

The human landscape is equally distinctive. Still largely a crofting community, North Uist, Harris and South Lewis are characterised by agricultural and sea-based economies. Aquaculture is practised in the sheltered sea lochs and bays such as East Loch Roag and West Loch Tarbet, and fishing is a mainstay of the local economy. Commercial fishing by local boats centres mainly on shellfish, although there are a small number which take fish or scallops.

Tourism is another important economic activity, with tourists taking advantage of the outstanding scenery and enjoying the white-sand beaches and opportunities for specialist outdoor activities such as kayaking and surfing. There is open access to the hills and coast for outdoor activities.

In terms of historical heritage, a number of archaeologically-significant areas are found, such as a burial ground on Scarp. The coastal area is exposed and treacherous and as such many wrecks are found in this area. In cultural terms, the area constitutes part of the heartland of Gaelic language and culture. Various aspects of highland life are visible in the crofting landscape, and there is also evidence of the Highland Clearances.

The Western Isles are closely associated with the Lord of the Isles, fishing and merchant trading. In the 16th century the Western Isles was a regular stop-off for trading vessels travelling to Europe and the East Indies. Two wrecks associated with these trading routes have already been identified: the Eastindiaman Adelaar and the Politician, and it is likely that future wrecks will be discovered in the future due to the exposed and treacherous nature of the coasts here. Potentially archaeologically significant peat beds have recently been identified off shore. A marked concentration of prehistoric, early medieval and post-mediaeval settlement sites is situated in the coastal zone. Of particular note amongst the rich range of sites are unenclosed and defended settlements (forts, duns and brochs) of later prehistoric date. The machair is particularly rich in archaeological remains and the alkaline shell-sand preserves the vestiges of old land surfaces of many periods, as well as a range of artefacts that do not normally survive in Scotland' s predominantly acid soils.

There are likely to be Neolithic and Mesolithic sites on the coast underwater due to sea level rise. There are various aspects of medieval highland life visible on the coast such as small harbours, fish traps and bothies and archaeology is continuously exposed in various places as the coast erodes.

Orkney and Pentland Firth

Orkney is important for its wide range of coastal and marine habitats, and is home to nationally and internationally important populations of birds and marine mammals. Many of its landscapes are of historical importance - most notably the World Heritage Site surrounding the Ring of Brodgar, Maes Howe and Skara Brae. The sea is never far away and is intimately interwoven with the land. The rocky shoreline of much of the west coast combines with the changing elements of sea, sky and weather to create a wild and constantly-changing seascape.

Maritime grassland is the commonest coastal habitat, and the area is important for its maritime heath. Fine examples occur on Orkney's west mainland, Papa Westray, Westray, Rousay, and Sandside Head near Rey. Two plants found here occur only in Scotland, the Scottish Primrose, found on cliffs in maritime heath, grasslands, and stabilised sand dunes, and an eyebright (small plant in the figwort family), found in short grassland close to the coast. The Oysterplant has its British stronghold in Orkney and the long rocky coastline supports cliff communities and species such as Scots lovage (a wild herb that grows on seacliffs).

The local seas reach the extremely exposed rock faces and reefs of the outer coast and progress to the sheltered muddy conditions in some inshore waters and lagoons, such as the Loch of Stenness. Unusual mixtures of temperate and northern species are found together here. The shallow rocky seabed around Orkney supports some of the most extensive areas of underwater kelp forest in Scotland. Elsewhere sedimentary habitats support rich communities of lugworms and cockles, and large beds of eelgrass, an important nursery for juvenile fish and food source for waterfowl. These habitats cover extensive areas offshore, important for sandeels, a main food source for seabirds and mammals. In more tide-swept conditions, sand is often replaced by extensive beds of maerl.

Marine mammals are common here and include otters, cetaceans and seals, including some 38% of the British grey seal and 25% of the common seal population. Leatherback turtles are also recorded. Internationally important seabird communities include red-throated divers, auks, Arctic tern and kittiwake, along with large colonies of storm petrel. In winter, there are important coastal populations of long-tailed duck and great northern diver. Internationally important populations of shorebirds such as turnstone, purple sandpiper, curlew and ringed plover are found on sandy and rocky shorelines.

Orkney presents a remarkable combination of natural and cultural heritage, unique to Scotland. The islands are internationally renowned for their wealth of archaeological sites from the first farmers of the Neolithic period to the remains of World War defences. There is a strong Nordic influence, with the 12th century St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall built by the Norse Earl Rognvald Kolson in honour of his murdered uncle Earl Magnus Erlendson. Orkney is nationally famous for its rich arts heritage, being home and inspiration to many traditional players, as well as the modern composer Peter Maxwell Davies, and author and poet George Mackay Brown (who is buried there).

Tourism, agriculture and fisheries form the mainstay of the economy for Orkney's population of 20,000. Coastal areas are the main focus for tourists and residents alike. The beaches and more rugged coastal areas, with their large seabird colonies and seals, are popular attractions. A number of additional popular recreational activities take place, including sailing, scuba diving, and angling, while the harbours at Stromness and Kirkwall provide a base for at least 15 charter boats that welcome some 3,500 divers to Orkney annually to dive the iconic wrecks of the First World War German fleet scattered in Scapa Flow. It is also probable that some components of Neolithic and Mesolithic archaeology survive in waters down to 20m around Orkney, and a number of sites have been identified which require further expert investigation. Also, from the 16th century the Orkney Islands were a stop off point for vessels travelling from Scandinavia across the Atlantic. The exposed geos and skerries off the Northern Isles may be littered with wrecks in varying degrees of preservation.

In addition to tourism, half of all the enterprises in Orkney are involved in agriculture or fisheries. Shellfish farming is predominant, as is marine fish farming, producing Atlantic salmon and more recently sea trout and halibut. Orkney also has potential for offshore wave power.

Orkney presents a remarkable combination of natural and cultural heritage, unique to Scotland. The islands are internationally renowned for its wealth of archaeological sites from the first farmers of the Neolithic period to the remains of First World War defences.

Shetland (including Fair Isle)

Shetland is one of the regions of greatest relative importance in Scotland for birds and marine mammals. This area also includes Fair Isle, a small island community famous for birds, knitwear and historic shipwrecks. The landscape of the area is strongly maritime in character with the elements of sea, sky and weather combining to create a constantly changing scene. The experience of near 24-hour daylight in summer, known locally as the 'simmer dim', adds another dimension to the landscape. The coast is marked by many features, including cliffs, stacks, arches and islands, alternating with more sheltered and softer voes (inlets), and a complex of small islands and headlands. The geomorphological history of Shetland has produced rare and interesting landforms.

The complex coastline with its characteristic voes provides a range of coastal environments from very exposed rock faces and reefs at the outer coast, to sheltered muddy conditions at the heads of the longer voes and shallow coastal lagoons. These support unusual mixtures of temperate, northern and offshore species. The subtidal zone is often extensive and kelp forests grow at greater depths than elsewhere in Scotland. Eelgrass beds and sea pen communities are restricted to sheltered areas like the head of Whiteness Voe and the Vadills, where the rare unattached form of the free-floating seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii, is also found. Deeper waters are dotted with horse mussels which in places form reefs, a feature that is relatively rare in Britain. In more tide-swept conditions, such as Bluemull Sound, sand is often replaced by maerl beds. Sand covers extensive areas offshore and is an important habitat for sandeels, which are in turn an important food source for seabirds, seals and cetaceans.

A wide range of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) is frequently seen in waters around Shetland. Both common and grey seals can be seen regularly, and the coastal areas provide habitat for one of the largest otter populations in Europe. The breeding seabirds in Shetland (over 22 species) represent a tenth of the British total, and sites around Hermaness, Foula, Sumburgh Head and Noss provide outstanding opportunities to view puffins and gannets. Large storm petrel colonies and some rare species such as Leach's petrel and great skua are also found here. Shetland has large breeding populations of wading birds and is the UK stronghold for the most maritime of waders, the red-necked phalarope. Voes provide shelter for significant numbers of wintering migrants such as great northern diver, long-tailed duck and Slavonian grebe.

Shetland's northerly location, strong Nordic character and modern oil-influenced economy make it unique in
socio-economic and cultural terms. With a population of 22,000 Shetland is home to a relatively high proportion of affluent households, characterised by concentrations of professional workers and below average unemployment.

Commercial fishing, aquaculture and fish processing, together with the oil industry based at Sullom Voe, currently dominate the economy, with fisheries and aquaculture-related developments currently contributing half of Shetland's economy output. Over half of the total Scottish production of farmed salmon and mussels originate in Shetland. Agriculture and crofting is the main land use, providing significant local income and employment, as well as being of great cultural importance.

The coastal zone contains a high proportion of Shetland's particularly rich remains of human occupation dating from the prehistoric period to the present day. Of particular note are defended settlements (forts, duns and brochs) of Iron Age and later date. Some sections of the coastal fringe include good examples of crofting landscapes, while the major settlements retain post-medieval to modern buildings/structures associated with the commercial fishing industry. Some of the best-known coastal sites include the broch at Mousa and the settlement at Jarlshof in the southern mainland.

Tourism, based on Shetland's historical and natural assets, also makes an important and growing contribution to the local economy. The ancient cultural heritage of Shetland is well exploited and the area is of outstanding importance for the wrecks of the East Indiamen trade ships. From the 16th century, the Shetland Islands were on the north about route for European trading vessels bound for the East Indies. There is an extensive wreck history including these vessels, others from the Dutch herring trade and more recent merchant and warships. The recently discovered and excavated site at Scatness in the south mainland displays evidence of settlement over thousands of years and offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the interaction of successive cultures with their environment. The annual winter 'Up Helly Aa' festival, celebrating local traditions of boat-building, Viking traditions, traditional fiddle playing and revelry has found a unique place in the global tourist market, reflecting an image of Shetland as a hospitable and welcoming place.

Shetland retains a strong sea-going culture and many residents own their own boats, used for fishing and short trips around the coast. In recent years the market for specialist wildlife tours has expanded significantly. The islands are visited by nearly 50 cruise boats each year which bring over 20,000 visitors from all over the world. A wide range of recreational activities are pursued in the hills, moors, cliffs and beaches of Shetland, including active outdoor pursuits and informal enjoyment of the countryside.

Solway

The scenic qualities of this area are the product of the interplay between the sea and sandflats contrasting with the rugged inland hills, bays enclosed by headlands and distant views to Cumbria. Inland the landscape is dominated by small farms interspersed with drystone dykes, forests, natural woodland and small villages. The area contains a large diversity of coastal habitats and species and is the only place in Scotland where all of the native amphibians and reptiles found in Scotland occur together.

The tidal regime exposes some of the largest continuous mudflats and sandflats in Britain, which provide important feeding ground for wintering wildfowl and waders, notably the world's entire Svalbard barnacle goose population. On the exposed west coast of the Rhins, the high cliffs provide nesting habitat for seabirds, with the southernmost gannet colony on the west coast at the Scare Rocks in Luce Bay.

Saltmarshes are well developed, notably at Wigtown, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbright and the Rough Firth. At the head of Luce Bay, Torrs Warren contains the largest system of dynamic and actively building sand dunes in the southwest, and this Bay is also important for its botanical interest and range of subtidal habitats such as sublittoral sands and gravels.

Further west the coastline becomes more rocky, with cliffs topped with maritime heath and grassland and several raised beaches, along the shores of Luce Bay, rugged headlands (including the southern most point in Scotland at the Mull of Galloway), small sandy bays and inlets.

The warmer waters of the gulf stream carry unusual marine species to the Solway coast such as sunfish, and an upwelling of nutrient rich water off the Rhins of Galloway and Machars supports rich tide swept communities of sponges and hydroids on rocky reefs and boulders. Basking sharks are frequent visitors in this area.

An area which is readily accessible from central Scotland and the major conurbations of northern England, the Solway coast has traditionally been an important gateway from Scotland to Ireland and has a rich maritime heritage. Much of the area's early historic interest reflects this role. Mesolithic boats were believed to be in frequent use, and the crossing from Scotland to Ireland would have been a place of intensive activity. The Solway Firth may also have been important both from a prehistoric seafaring and settlement point of view, matching that found in Strangford Lough.

The area contains significant remains of human occupation dating from the prehistoric period to the present day - of particular note are the dune systems to the west of Glen Luce. Whithorn is one of the cradles of Scottish Christianity. The coastal area contains important medieval burghs and castles, while the intertidal zone contains the remains of relatively recent and much older fish traps - some dating to the Mesolithic period. The majority of more recent shipping losses have occurred close to harbour entrances (Kircudbright and Maryport which grew as a coal port in the 18th century) and around headlands (Mull of Galloway, Burrow Head and Little Ross). Many of the wrecks located close inshore may well be broken up. There is also some Second World War interest in Wigtown Bay.

Today, household income in the area is generally low, with employment generally in crafts, trades and manual work. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, but a higher than average proportion of enterprises also involve fishing, restaurants and tourism. There is growing economic activity in aquaculture, in particular for shellfish.

The Solway coast attracts visitors and residents alike for leisure activities, with recreation ranging from picnicking and sunbathing to angling, scuba diving and sailing. Bird watching is popular, particularly at the many nature reserves such as the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. The area also has some spectacular coastal walks, and the Southern Upland Way long distance footpath starts at Portpatrick. Visitors are also attracted to the increasingly prominent literary scene, with an annual book festival held at Wigtown. Solway is 'Burns country', where visitors can celebrate the life of one of Scotland's most popular poets, Robert Burns.

South Uist, Sound of Barra and Barra

This area contains a distinctive range of important marine and maritime habitats and species. The low-lying machair landscape of South Uist dominates the northern part of this area. To the south, the landscape becomes more strongly maritime in character with a chain of rocky islands rising suddenly from open sea. The hills of South Uist and Sheabhal on Barra provide an important backdrop to the more low-lying areas and sea. The strong connection between the people and the natural heritage is evident in the small crofting settlements which hug the coast.

The islands of Barra, Mingulay and Berneray are largely covered by maritime grassland, with some machair and heath. The South Uist coastline and Isle of Eoligarry comprise sand dunes, cultivated machair and croftland, together with small areas of wetland and rough pasture. This combination of cultivation, including hayfields with damp grassland and marsh, provides habitat that supports a breeding population of corncrake and farmland waders of European importance.

The inshore waters are notable for their tidal rapids and support maerl, Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii and seagrass. Marine mammals are common throughout this area but have favoured localities during different times of year. In August, whales and dolphins come into shallower waters to feed on squid and spawning fish. Bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in the Sound of Barra. Common seals are abundant all year round, giving birth on the rocky coasts and skerries (sgeirs) during the summer. Otters are numerous along the coastline.

Barra, Mingulay and Berneray are favoured with breeding grey seals, wintering geese and breeding seabirds. In summer the islands are particularly spectacular with huge whirling masses of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and gulls which feed in the highly productive waters of the south Minch.

With a human population centred on small crofting communities located close to the coast, South Uist and Barra offer fine examples of island life. The heartland of Gaelic language and culture, the historical heritage of the islands is closely associated with crofting, fishing and merchant trading. In the 16th century the Western Isles was a regular stop off for trading vessels travelling to Europe and the East Indies, and consequently a number of wrecks are found here, including the Politician wreck, which provided inspiration for the film 'Whisky Galore'. Potentially archaeologically significant peat beds have recently been identified offshore. A marked concentration of prehistoric, early medieval and post-mediaeval settlement sites is situated in the coastal zone. Of particular note amongst the rich range of sites are unenclosed and defended settlements (forts, duns and brochs) of later prehistoric date. The machair is particularly rich in archaeological remains and the alkaline shell-sand preserves the vestiges of old land surfaces of many periods, as well as a range of artefacts that do not normally survive in Scotland' s predominantly acid soils. There are a number of archeologically-significant sites situated in the coastal area, dating from the prehistoric, early medieval and post-medieval settlement periods. Various aspects of medieval Highland life are visible on the coast such as small harbours, fish traps and bothies, together with evidence of the Highland Clearances.

In addition to the industries of manufacturing and agriculture, sea-based industries continue to make a valuable contribution to the economy of South Uist and Barra. Fishing in particular has made a long-standing economic contribution. Hotels and restaurants represent a significant though not dominant proportion of enterprises. Tourists visit the Western Isles from all over the world to take advantage of the scenery, enjoying the beaches and engaging in specialist outdoor activities such as kayaking and surfing. Recreational activities tend to be informal, including walking along ancient coastal routes. Few formal recreational facilities exist, including small-scale outdoor centres and boat charters, but visitors are generally attracted to the gentle, unhurried pace of island life.

A key pressure in the area is population decline, with a higher number of people over the age of 65 than the national average. This is accompanied by declining economic activity in South Uist and Barra.

Wester Ross and North Skye Coast

This area contains a range of important marine habitats and species. The distinctive coastal character of the landscape result from the combination of exposed promontories, indented coastlines, sheltered bays, long, steep-sided sea lochs, and the 20 'Summer Isles'. Inland the landscape comprises small hills and lochans backed by high mountains and ridges. Crofting and fishing settlements are concentrated along the coast and to the north.

The coastal habitats are dominated by hard rock cliffs while saltmarsh, beaches and sand dunes occur only locally. The sea lochs have a rich flora and fauna, with Loch Torridon and Loch Carron of specific importance for their shallow lagoons, maerl beds, eel grass and diverse faunal communities in the tidal narrows. The variety of marine substrates found here (bedrock, gravel, sand, mud) support a wide range of habitats such as kelp forests, horse mussel beds and maerl beds. Several sheltered bays within the area support the nationally rare free-floating seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii. The bathymetry of the inshore waters here vary greatly and Inner Sound between Raasay and the mainland at 300m is the deepest trench on the British continental shelf.

Shellfish such as prawns, scallops and crabs, are common here and these waters are important nursery areas for many commercial species such as saithe, cod, plaice, sprat and herring. Common and grey seals occur widely, and otters are widespread around the coast. A number of whale and dolphin species are present, while basking sharks and minke whales are seen regularly, especially at the northern tip of Skye. More unusual marine vertebrates seen occasionally are leatherback turtles.

The cliffs and islands are home to modest seabird colonies including storm petrels, auks, fulmar, shag and kittiwake. Many islands are used by wintering geese while inshore waters are an important wintering area for divers. Golden eagles and sea eagles are present, especially along the Skye Coast.

The area has some of the most extensive, remote and challenging country in Europe, and has been settled since earliest times. The area boasts a rich historical heritage; there is evidence of Mesolithic settlers at Applecross; widespread remnants of medieval settlement (small harbours, fish traps, bothies); signs of Viking influence and there is the lasting impact on the landscape of the Highland Clearances. Museums at Portree and Gairloch contain exhibitions on aspects of the marine historic environment. The iconic, rugged land and seascapes have also inspired musicians and artists throughout the centuries.

The combination of sea, loch and land offer a very diverse range of recreation activities, such as hill-walking, parascending and canoeing, with the white-sand beaches of Skye being particularly popular. Recently improved transport routes have provided increased accessibility to and within the area, and to cater for the large influx of visitors many facilities have been provided. Ullapool is now a thriving ferry and fishing port, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the west coast.

Settlements are concentrated along the coast and elsewhere the population is thinly spread. Tourism and outdoor recreation now dominate the economy and provide the majority of local income. Retail, hotels and restaurants make up the highest proportion of enterprises, followed by agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

As provided for in the National Parks (Scotland) Act even the final proposal would only describe the area in general terms since the whole purpose of the process set out in the Act that would follow this consultation exercise is to provide for a process of further consultation to inform the subsequent decision of Ministers on matters such as Park boundaries.

Boundary selection

SNH produced indicative maps for each of the 10 areas with a principal boundary, along with a potential extended boundary, provided for illustrative purposes. We acknowledge that further work would be required
to refine these areas and to consider in detail their seaward and terrestrial extent and specific boundary, including consultation locally and with land managers.

In relation to the seaward boundary, one option is that
it should not extend beyond the boundary for inshore fisheries management (6 nautical miles from baseline). However, there are other options too, for example,
12 nautical miles in line with territorial water boundaries or alternatively a boundary closer to shore.

Defining the landward extent of the Park presents particular challenges. A maritime focus means that inland boundaries may be drawn relatively tightly in place, especially along developed coasts and industrial areas, perhaps not extending higher than low water (Mean Low Water Spring Tides) or being set even further out from the coast. Elsewhere, SNH have suggested coastal habitats and landscapes with a strong coastal character are included but that further survey work may be needed.

SNH's report states that this would lead to islands and peninsulas being included within the Park and states that coastal communities closely linked to the sea should generally be included except perhaps for larger settlements.

Decisions taken on land can have profound influences on the coastal and marine environment as they are often intertwined or related to adjacent freshwater and terrestrial habitats and it can be difficult to distinguish between them. For example, machair depends on good coastal management and lagoon habitats can be very dynamic and subject to considerable change over relatively short periods. The benefits that the Park could bring for coastal communities might be relevant here too (e.g. local housing initiatives, etc).

What criteria would you use to set the landward and seaward boundaries of the Park?

Page updated: Monday, October 09, 2006

Scottish Government