Trust response to new National Park in Scotland consultation

The Scottish Government committed to establishing a new National Park by Spring 2026 in its Programme for Government 2021/22. 

In summer 2022 the Scottish Government asked the public for ideas in response to four big questions under the theme 'The future of national parks in Scotland'. In autumn 2022 NatureScot, the Scottish Government's advisory body on nature, led a stakeholder consultation intended to help define how a new National Park will protect and restore nature, tackle climate change and promote sustainable land use. 

The Trust responded to the initial consultation in June 2022 and the subsequent consultation led by NatureScot in November 2022. In our November 2022 response we emphasised the primary goal of new and existing National Parks should be leading nature recovery.

National Parks are in a unique position to act as exemplary models of progressive land management for the whole of Scotland. In turn, given the under realised potential for the land use sector to contribute to reducing Scotland's carbon emissions, they can make a vital contribution towards Scotland's net zero target by 2040.

We recognised that National Parks are areas where people live, work and visit and that a 'just transition' aspect to sustaining and investing in communities within existing and new National Parks should be a careful consideration - for example, what is needed to ensure that the economic benefits from investment in natural capital are distributed fairly?

The consultation paper asked about governance models, powers and functions of existing Park Authorities and criteria for choosing a new National Park. 

You can find the Trust's full consultation response available below.