Aims and Management of National Parks

On 5 July 2000 Scotland's Parliament unanimously passed the National Parks (Scotland) Bill and on 9 August 2000 it received Royal Assent. The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 provides the Parliament with the ability to create National Parks in Scotland in any location deemed to be appropriate.

The Act states that the aims of National Parks are to:

• conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area
• promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area
• promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public
• promote the sustainable economic and social development of the areas' communities

Where these aims conflict, the relevant National Park authority must prioritise the first of these aims.

Each National Park has its own National Park authority responsible for writing a national park partnership plan and working with everyone involved in managing the Park to ensure its implementation.

• Read LLT partnership plan
• Read CNPA partnership plan

Each National Park Authority is an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB) directly funded by the Scottish Government and reporting to Scottish Ministers. They have powers to further the Park's aims including:

• providing advice and assistance and giving grants
• entering into management agreements and making bylaws and management rules
• buying and managing land either by agreement or by compulsory purchase
• general arrangements for access, provision to make access orders and access agreements;
• providing information, education and ranger services and facilities

The Act also allows for Park Authorities to have different powers and functions (including development planning and management) depending on the specific planning and management needs of the area.

Each National Park also has a board, made up of:

• ministerial appointments
• local authority ward members
• local residents elected by the community

Boards are limited in size by legislation to:

• 17 members for the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• 19 members for the Cairngorms National Park