The Scottish Government

Regional Priority Code

Landscape Priorities

Relevant Packages

Valued and attractive landscapes which contribute positively to peoples environment, through:

(Management as appropriate under priority 13 a-f that takes account of the specific requirements for each of the 11 landscape character types identified for the Outer Hebrides in "A Landscape Character Assessment for the Western Isles", SNH, 1994.)

OHE13a

a. The safeguarding and enhancement of the diverse character of rural landscapes. Particularly proposals that:

• enhance the landscape character in recognised landscape character types as described in "A Landscape Character Assessment for the Western Isles", SNH, 1994.

OHE13b

b. Enhanced experience, understanding and enjoyment of the landscape. Particularly proposals that:

• enable the development and enhancement of Natural and Cultural Assets
• enhance key views, particularly within NSAs, from public roads, access routes, footpaths and public open spaces, and at recognised viewpoints, particularly linking to historic and cultural environment features and landscapes
• support specific events and initiatives to raise the profile of the Outer Hebrides' quality landscapes
• support initiatives and events which raise the profile of the cultural and historical landscapes and practices which maintain them.

OHE13c

c. High quality design in both new build and natural elements that enhance and strengthen the landscape character of an area. Particularly proposals that:

• enhance the landscape character in recognised landscape character types
• re-use of traditional vernacular buildings, and building techniques, that enhance the landscape character through use of local forms and material
• support design that incorporates and reuses natural and cultural features of the landscape.

OHE13d

d. Actions at a landscape scale which strengthen and/or enhance the landscape character of an area and contribute to sense of place. Particularly proposals that:

• enhance the landscape character in recognised landscape character types
• support traditional management of characteristic cultural historic landscape types, for example use of outfield grazings, planting of native trees in areas known to have had woodland in the past.

OHE13e

e. A strengthening and/or enhancement of the special qualities within National Scenic Areas (NSA), National Parks and locally designated landscapes. Actions should contribute to delivery of NSA Management Strategy where in place. Particularly proposals that:

• support positive management to reinforce the inherent character and qualities of the 3 NSA's in the Outer Hebrides (South Lewis, Harris and North Uist; South Uist Machair; St Kilda)
• enhance those sites in the Outer Hebrides within the National Inventory of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (Lews Castle Grounds).

OHE13f

f. Action for landscapes whose qualities have been degraded by past use. Particularly:

• measures to enhance/restore important views, viewpoints and landmarks from land use that has detracted from their visual integrity
• proposals which maximise existing dominant landscape features (such as remnant native woodland/scrub, vernacular buildings and dykes) to enhance landscapes degraded by past use
• re-introduce traditional management techniques at a sustainable level, for example support for grazing of outfield, arable cultivation of infield.

OHE14

An increased contribution to the diversity and character of landscape form Scotland's woods and forests, through restructuring planted woodlands, particularly through the use of Low Intervention Silvicultural Systems, and diversification of a range of well designed woodland types in the preferred areas, as identified in regional Indicative Forestry Strategies or Woodland Strategies or in line with Forest Habitat Networks, particularly the improvement of degraded or unsightly local environments. Particularly support for:

• woodland management and expansion proposals in the Outer Hebrides to meet the objectives of the Western Isles Woodland Strategy
• Forest Plans and associated actions to restructure first-rotation conifer plantations to provide amenity & recreation value, in tandem with management for woodfuel/biomass production and restructuring for improved biodiversity - to meet the objectives of the Western Isles Woodland Strategy
• proposals which seek to protect, restore and enhance the woodland and tree elements of the Lews Castle Historic Gardens and Designed Landscape .