SCNP Newsletter Spring 2016
Why does it take the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment and Rural Affairs in England, Rory Stewart OBE MP, to say, as recently as last month in a document titled “8-point Plan for England’s National Parks”, that …”National Parks are the soul of Britain. They are the centre of our imagination. When people think of Britain, wherever they are, they imagine these landscapes. I`d like to make sure that everyone in Britain, and more visitors from around the world, have the unique experience of going to our National Parks”?
The above highlights the continuing mystery of why Scottish Government Ministers seem unable to grasp and take action to secure, the wide range of benefits that would accrue from designating more National Parks in Scotland. However, the mood change in responses to our campaign that I highlighted in our last Newsletter continues, indeed, there is a gathering momentum as the contents of this current missive will demonstrate.
Last month we released our research report “Tourism and Future National Parks in Scotland,“ and we believe that this latest report provides compelling evidence on how the creation of more National
Parks would help grow our rural visitor economy in a sustainable way. Such designations https://valtrexshop.com/ would also support the 2020 Tourism Strategy, with its focus on nature, heritage and activities. VisitScotland has not, to date, supported our campaign, but the appointment of a new chair, Lord Thurso, will hopefully provide us with an opportunity to persuade them of the merits of our case. The tourism industry as a whole ought to be a major supporter of our campaign, and efforts are being made to bring them on board. John Muir, the founder of National Parks, features again this year in which the US National Park Service celebrates its centenary. The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are hosting a visit from the USNational Parks ambassador, Lee Stetson, who will be bringing back home the “spirit of John Muir” to his birthplace in Dunbar as he portrays the great man, walking the new long-distance footpath which bears his name. SCNP will be involved on 30 April when Lee will formally open the Tom and Rhona (Weir)`s Mountain Garden at Balmaha.
Mood changes in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries &Galloway are clearly evident, and this is good news. Retiring MSP and former Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson has been helping our secretary…..
