Key steps in developing Scotland’s National Parks

In 1997, Government announced that National Parks should be established to care for some of Scotland's most special places, and proposed that the first should be in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, followed soon after by the Cairngorms.

The matter of what kind of National Parks Scotland should have was debated during 1998 through a consultation process led by SNH on behalf of Government. SNH's advice to Government in 1999, formed the basis of draft legislation debated by the Scottish Parliament in the early Summer of 2000.

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.

Key steps in the development of the specific proposals for Loch Lomond and Trossachs and the Cairngorms National Parks, including consultation,

• Loch Lomond & the Trossachs (takes you to an archive site)
• Cairngorms (takes you to an archive site)

Ministers considered SNH's recommendations regarding Loch Lomond and Trossachs and issued a draft Designation Order for consultation in June 2001. The Designation Order for Loch Lomond and Trossachs was subsequently passed by the Scottish Parliament on 24 April 2002 and the new Park was officially opened on 19 July 2002.

Ministers Considered SNH's recommendations on the Cairngorms and issued a draft Designation Order for consultation in May 2002. The Designation Order for Cairngorms was subsequently passed by the Scottish Parliament in December 2002. The new Park Authority was formally established on 25 March 2003, and becomes fully operational on 1 September 2003