New National Park - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The term National Park is used throughout the world to describe protected areas of land or water of outstanding national significance. The title means different things to different people but all National Parks have some key features in common:

• they are areas of land or water which are of the very highest value to the nation for their scenery and wildlife, and often for their cultural heritage too;
• they are managed in a way that safeguards their special qualities for the long term;
• they are usually highly attractive places to visit and they provide opportunities for people to enjoy them.

National Parks in Scotland and throughout the UK are classified by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as a Category V protected landscape or seascape. This means they are areas which have distinct character and significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value which should be safeguarded through a balanced interaction between people and nature. 

National Parks in Scotland are different from many others around the world because, in addition to conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage, they include aims to help promote the sustainable use of natural resources and the social and economic development of local communities in the Park. 

Most land in our National Parks is not owned by the state. Instead, our National Parks work more through partnership to care for these special places, while recognising the needs of those who live and work there.

Scotland’s National Parks receive funding from Scottish Government and they attract investment from other sources to help safeguard the natural and cultural heritage, and promote its sustainable use and enjoyment by people. Each Park has a dedicated National Park Authority that helps to plan and co-ordinate work for the long-term interest of the area and also give local people a chance to be more directly involved in its governance. 

Each National Park Authority is required to prepare a five-year National Park Partnership Plan. These overarching management plans set out how all those with a responsibility in each park, across public, private and voluntary organisations, will coordinate their work to address the most important issues in relation to conservation, visitor experience and social and economic development.

Scottish Government has consulted on proposed changes to the National Parks legislation to strengthen the leadership role of National Parks in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises whilst also welcoming visitors and supporting local communities and businesses. The consultation included proposed changes to the National Park aims, powers and governance.

The Scottish Parliament is now considering amendments in the Natural Environment Bill. These are currently updates to the language of the National Park aims, detail on what is to be considered part of the aims, and introduction of a duty to have regard to these aims. They also include powers for issuing fixed term penalty notices for enforcing National Park byelaws and making provision for future National Parks to be access authorities if this is required.

NatureScot spent £163,737.78 which was provided by Scottish Government through its grant-in-aid to NatureScot.

We worked closely with Scottish Government in agreeing the budget for the Reporter commission and we are satisfied that it was proportionate for the work required. NatureScot's work was independently reviewed, and the engagement and consultation work undertaken was judged to be of a high standard in keeping with the National Standards for Community Engagement. A series of project reports detailing this work, including this independent review, was made available when we submitted our advice to Scottish Ministers in May.

The total cost of the reporting work was higher than original budget of £135,000 because we held more public meetings in response to demand, and required support with data analysis because of the number of consultation responses received.

This is a matter for Scottish Government, though NatureScot may be involved in follow-up discussions.   

Ministers have stated that the current process has come to an end with decisions on future proposals for National Parks a matter for the next Scottish Government.