History and Background to the Creation of National parks in Scotland

National parks have been proposed for Scotland at several times in the past. For further information, see the history of the proposals. 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. Also available;

Formal Ministerial Proposals (Made on the 19th September 2000) for;

Requirements under section 3(1) of the National parks (Scotland) Act 2001 (Made on the 19th September 2000)

were published, requesting that the SNH consult on the proposals and report to Ministers.

SNH's reports to the Scottish Executive on its consultation

SNH undertook consultation on the proposal for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs over the period 6 November 2000 to 9 February 2001 and reported to Ministers on 19 march 2001

SNH undertook consultation on the proposal for Cairngorms over the period 12 December 2000 to 30 April 2002 and reported to Ministers on 21 August 2001.

The Designation Orders establishing National parks

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 became fully operational on 1 September 2003

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