Register interest for new National Parks
If you believe that your local area has what it takes to become the country’s newest national park, you can now register interest. Whether you’re an individual, a group, or an organisation, you can send an email to NationalParks@gov.scot
The Scottish Government has pledged to establish at least one new national park in Scotland by Spring 2026.
Formal nominations will open later this year, once the appraisal framework has been finalised.
Visiting Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater said:
“I look forward to engaging with communities and learning more about their proposals, and I encourage everyone to get involved as we move closer to naming Scotland’s next national park.
“Our existing national parks play an important role in tackling the biodiversity and climate crises, whilst also supporting local communities, businesses and visitors.
“Last year we consulted widely on the future of national parks in Scotland, and there was broad support for our commitment to create at least one new park by 2026.”
The plan is now to publish the final framework and launch the nomination process for new National Park designation(s) in the Autumn. Local areas will then have around 5 months to develop their nominations. Submitted nominations will be assessed against the criteria and Scottish Ministers will then decide which nomination(s) will progress to the next phase of the process.
Nikki Sinclair, Project Manager, Scottish National Parks Strategy Project said:
“We are delighted to see that the next stage for new National Parks process has been launched and that the Scottish Government has invited interested groups to register their potential interest so that they can be informed about the process and any support available for nominations.
“We look forward to responding to the consultation and even more so to the Nomination process starting in the Autumn, on track to allow time for the designation of one or more new National Parks by 2026.”
National Parks – Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to all sorts of questions about National Parks: what they are, why Scotland should have more, where they should be, who would pay for them and many others
New National Parks for Scotland – Next Steps 2022
Scottish National Parks Strategy Project statement welcoming the Scottish Government’s new commitment and proposing what needs to happen next
Background Information
To register interest for new National Parks email : NationalParks@gov.scot
A draft appraisal framework with broad selection criteria for new national parks has also been published for consultation.
New National Parks in Scotland: Appraisal Framework: Consultation Paper
New National Parks in Scotland: Nomination process and draft appraisal framework
Registration opened on 11 May 2023. There is no requirement to register interest in order to submit a nomination. Nor does registration commit a group or organisation to submitting a nomination.
Registration will allow interested parties to be updated with information, key dates and communications throughout the process.