Two charities have submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament seeking the support of MSPs in their efforts to persuade ministers of the need for more national parks.
Scotland only has two. The first was Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the second the Cairngorms, which has already been enlarged, is the biggest in the UK . But ministers have no plans to add more at present.
But the petition from the Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP) and The Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS), calls on Holyrood to urge the Scottish Government to "prepare and implement a strategy to designate more National Parks in Scotland, including at least one Coastal and Marine National Park."
John Mayhew, Director of APRS, said:
"Scotland's landscapes rank amongst the best in the world, but we only have two national parks, the highest national accolade which can be given to any place. Scotland's first two national parks have achieved a great deal in their first decade, and they inspire pride and passion amongst local people and visitors. There are other outstanding landscapes in Scotland worthy of national park designation, and local and national public support for this."
He said more national parks would generate many environmental, social and economic benefits. "It is now time for the Scottish Government to prepare a strategy to designate more of Scotland's land, coast and sea as national parks."
Ross Anderson, Chairman of SCNP, said:
"We have not taken this step lightly. The Scottish Parliament rightly asks people not to submit a Petition until they have taken substantial action to resolve their issues of concern. "
He said that "certainly applies in our case" as they had met: every environment minister since 2004 to press the case for more national parks; and published a major report, Unfinished Business (2013), which set out the case for new parks and identified seven suitable areas.
"We urge everyone who treasures Scotland's landscapes to sign our petition," he said.
But a spokeswoman said ministers were aware of the petition and had met the two charities. "However, the Scottish Government is yet to be convinced that there is a compelling case for the designation of new national parks at this time."
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