A survey by the National Trust for Scotland has revealed the overwhelming support for protecting the country's natural heritage
Scots want more protection for the country’s most picturesque landscapes.
A survey commissioned by conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland reveals overwhelming support for greater measures to protect Scotland's most scenic landscapes.
The online survey of a sample of 1,229 people was commissioned by the Trust from Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research to mark four decades of National Scenic Areas.
National Scenic Areas (NSAs) were first identified by the then Countryside Commission for Scotland in 1978.
The vast majority of respondents (95%) said they strongly/tend to agree that scenic areas are vital for tourism; 91% strongly/tend to agree that scenic landscapes make them proud to live in Scotland; and 92% strongly/tend to agree that there should be restrictions on large-scale industrial development in Scotland's most important landscapes.
The National Trust for Scotland's head of conservation and policy, Stuart Brooks said: "While the social and economic situation and types of pressure have changed since 1978, it's abundantly clear that one thing has been constant: the people of Scotland's determination to see the landscapes they love properly protected.
"It's been 40 years since National Scenic Areas were established, and up to this point they have been largely effective. Their amenity value has grown enormously within that time to the point where they are key economic drivers for Scotland. This is bringing wealth and opportunity to rural communities - whether as places to live or drawing visitors from around the world.”
"Scotland's National Scenic Areas are the jewels in our nation's crown,” said director of the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS).
“They represent the finest examples of the types of landscape for which Scotland is renowned around the world. When well-managed, as they have been in Galloway, they can enhance the special qualities of the local landscape, support the local economy and inspire pride and passion amongst local people. They have played a key role over the years in resisting inappropriate development, such as the Harris superquarry.”
