Proposals could reshape our land and seascape
A new strategy has been called for by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) to create new national parks, including the country’s first coastal and marine site.
As part of a manifesto ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, the call has been sent to party leaders and proposes ways the government can ensure the sustainable use and enjoyment of Scotland’s cultural and physical heritage by committing to pledges that impact on planning, law, the economy and the environment.
The manifesto states: “National Parks deliver multiple public benefits by providing a space for physical activity, boosting mental and physical well-being; delivering economic benefits; and safeguarding the landscapes that help build our cultural identity.
“They are essential protected areas and can help combat the climate crisis through the activities that take place in them.”
Stuart Brooks, head of conservation and policy for the NTS, said: “All surveys demonstrate that natural beauty is still a massive driver of the tourist economy.
“It comes up as the number one attraction for visitors.
“We want political parties to commit to designations.
“A family of national parks with their own unique features can complement each and help spread the load of tourism across the country.”
NTS, which is due to celebrate its 90th anniversary next year, cares for some of Scotland’s most significant heritage at more than 100 sites across the country – from historic houses and castles to battlefields, gardens and internationally important places for landscape and nature.
The charity has been hit hard during the coronavirus crisis, facing collapse as lockdown restrictions saw annual income cut in half.
We must transform the way we think of NPs to be investment, rather than 'planning' ie restriction, led. The long term future of a healthy nation depends on conservation that encourages rather than discouraging use. Our approach is conditioned by generations of thinking about 'zoning' that creates NPs pickled in aspic - a great way to kill NP future uses. Swedish, Austrian, French NP's all intend to host and create value for people, and as a result see enlightened private and public investment in facilities, leisure access, and a host of other positive s. Our approach creates NPs as places upper middle income NIMBYs retire to safe in knowledge that inclusive development to the benefit of excluded and poorer of our country, will not happen. Our model has to change. Open them up.