National Parks

Advising on National Park proposals

SNH has had a close involvement in the preparation of the proposals for National Parks in Scotland. In 1999 we developed the advice which led to the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. In 2001, we were the statutory reporter to Scottish Ministers on the National Park proposals for Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and for the Cairngorms. In 2006, we provided advice to the Scottish Government on proposals for a coastal and marine National Park. In 2009, we provided advice to Ministers on the proposed extension to the Cairngorms National Park.

Working with National Park Authorities

SNH also has a wider role in respect of National Parks based on its statutory responsibilities under the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991. These include specific functions for the notification and management of international and national designations, and the promotion of measures to implement the new legislation on access. We also have a general advisory function to Scottish Ministers, local authorities and other bodies including the National Park Authorities.

We work closely with the two current National Park Authorities to:

• support the successful establishment and operation of National Parks;
• promote the care, enjoyment, understanding and sustainable use of the natural heritage within National Parks; and
• champion the concept of National Parks as part of the family of designations which help to conserve and enhance the Scotland's natural heritage and its enjoyment by the public.

In addition, both Park Authorities contribute to a range of SNH's national work on access, landscape and biodiversity. To help deliver these priorities, detailed working arrangements are in place between SNH and each of the National Park Authorities covering:

• regular liaison and input to the deliver of the Park Plan;
• casework and other operational issues; and
• staff secondments and training.

Our approach to National Parks is set out in more detail in Policy Statement 02/04  .