Selection and designation of National Parks

The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 provides the framework to establish National Parks in Scotland.

The Act includes three conditions that an area proposed for National Park designation must meet:

1. That the area is of outstanding national importance because of its natural heritage or the combination of its natural and cultural heritage,
2. That the area has a distinctive character and a coherent identity, and
3. That designating the area as a National Park would meet the special needs of the area and would be the best means of ensuring that the National Park aims are collectively achieved in relation to the area in a coordinated way.

The designation process set out in the Act includes assessment and consultation by a reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers. The creation of each Park also requires further consultation prior to approval by the Scottish Government.

The Act provides for the establishment of marine or coastal National Parks and provides an order making power to allow for tailoring of the designation order to meet the specific needs of such areas. The Act also provides for full consultation with relevant interests within any part of the National Park area consisting of the sea.