Scotland currently has two national parks: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park; and The Cairngorms National Park.

As part of the Green deal, the Scottish Government is committed to establishing at least one other National Park in Scotland within the next 4 years.

First they have to find out what the public thinks of this. A consultation has been launched.

NatureScot has been asked to lead a further initial phase of work to provide advice to Scottish Ministers by the end of October.

Interestingly the consultation The Future for National Parks in Scotland requires you to register first and then there is a pre-selected choice where you can add comments. It is possible to put in another ‘idea’.

It is open till 5pm on 3rd June 2022 which isn’t a long time on a change of land use that may involve the investment of significant amounts of public money.

Biodiversity Minister in the Scottish Government Lorna Slater is encouraging people to take part. She said:

“We are committed to establish at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026. To be able to do this in an open and transparent manner, we need to be able to assess any new area which is to be considered for National Park status against a set of agreed expectations. 

“This is where we need your help and ideas. We want to gauge what people want their National Parks to deliver for the environment, culture and the communities within their boundaries. I would strongly encourage everyone to take part and ensure your views are heard and reflected in the shaping of this historic expansion of Scotland’s National Parks.”