Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 07 June 2022
The specifics of the evaluation criteria have not yet been established; we will look at the process as we go forward. The member raises an excellent point, however. Of course, we will need to be able to accommodate that possibility so that coherent applications can go into the process and be evaluated fairly.
I return to the process for creating new national parks. Once we have followed the legal process laid out in the 2000 act, the process will entail further scrutiny of the areas concerned against the aims and conditions specified by the act and further consultation led by NatureScot in its formal role as rapporteur. The designation order will then progress through Parliament for further evaluation and shaping of the proposal, which will include further opportunity for stakeholder input. Mr Whitfield will see that we will have to go through many steps to follow the correct legal process.
I very much look forward to the debate and to hearing members’ views on what role our national parks—established and new—should play in their local areas and nationally for the benefit of nature, the people of Scotland and visitors to our beautiful country. I welcome the constructive approach that has been taken by my Labour colleagues and the support that they have shown for our proposal to create new national parks in Scotland. I am happy to support the amendment in Colin Smyth’s name. I also welcome the fact that my Conservative colleagues recognise the important role that our national parks play in our environment and the economic benefits that they can bring to local communities. However, they need to acknowledge that such an important process requires full consultation. In addition, the clear legal process that is set out in the founding legislation needs to be followed.