The Scottish Government

Scotland's National Parks

Both of our National Parks, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and Cairngorms, are central to rural economic development and recreation, sustainability, and the conservation of their diverse natural habitats.

Michael Russell, Minister for Environment, announced on March 13 2008 that there would be a strategic review of Scotland's two National Park Authorities. The first stage of the review will look at the ways in which the functions of the Park Authorities can be best delivered. The second stage of the review, which will begin in late autumn 2008, will look at more detailed operational matters of the Park Authorities, the possible need for other boundary changes in either of the Parks and criteria for future National Parks. If you would like to give your views to the Review, then please complete our questionaire which will be live between July 3 2008 and August 1 2008.

The board of each Park Authority consists of 25 members:

• Those appointed by Ministers following assessment of the applicants in accordance with the rules issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (10 appointments)
• Those appointed by Ministers following nominations by the appropriate local authorities (10 nominees)
• Those elected by a postal ballot of the local electorate (five elected)

General information on each National Park (including details of the individual members of each Park Authority and the terms of their appointment) is available on the Public Appointments web section.