Nominations to become Scotland’s next national park are now being taken by the Scottish Government, opening the road for Lochaber to make a formal application following an early expression of interest.
Lochaber was one of 10 areas to submit an early expression of interest, and a steering group has been established in the region to consult with the community on whether it wishes to proceed with a formal bid.
The deadline for submissions is February 29, 2024.
Applicants to become a national park must meet a number of criteria, including evidence of local support. They must also illustrate themselves as being of outstanding national importance due to natural or culture heritage; hold a distinctive character and coherent identity; and show how national park status would meet the specific needs of the area.
Mike Pescod, chairperson of the National Park Bid Group, said the Lochaber group was continuing to gauge public opinion.
He said: “We are happy to see that the Scottish Government is open for nominations from areas wishing to be considered for National Park designation. We are well under way with discussions in Lochaber and we will continue to reach out to all our communities to help everyone understand the aims, benefits and drawbacks of being a National Park through community councils and public meetings.
“So far we have had a generally favourable response from people who have been able to learn about all the different aspects of the work of a National Park. While we understand the status can not solve all of our challenges in Lochaber, there is support to help with many of them and to rapidly increase work on nature recovery and biodiversity in our beautiful landscape.”
Should Lochaber make a formal application, it and other nominations would be appraised against the application criteria in spring 2024.
Those nominations deemed to successfully meet requirements would then undergo a detailed investigation by NatureScot in the summer. That inspection would lead to legislation to designate the new park or parks by 2026.
Councillor Kate Willis, Lochaber Area chairperson, said the opportunity for Lochaber to be considered for National Park designation is one that should not be missed.
“Local involvement and support is very important for the Lochaber nomination, so I would encourage everyone to attend the various information events that are being planned across Lochaber, if they can, and to also make their views heard by completing the working group’s short survey, which can be found at nationalparkforlochaber.blogspot.com.”
Scotland currently has two national parks, the Cairngorms, and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
However, through the Bute House Agreement, the Scottish Government has committed to designate at least one new national park by 2026, as long as legal and regulatory conditions can be met.
Other areas to express early interest include Galloway, Eilean a’ Cheo (Skye and Raasay), Glen Affric, and Loch Awe.