New National Parks - appraisal framework: consultation analysis

Criteria summary

Criterion 1 - outstanding national importance

Is the area of outstanding national importance because of its natural heritage or the combination of its natural and cultural heritage?

• Component 1 Is the proposed area of outstanding national importance due its natural heritage, including biodiversity, geodiversity and landscapes?
• Component 2 Is the proposed area of outstanding national importance due to the area’s cultural heritage, including the historic environment?

Criterion 2 - size, character and coherence

Does the area have a distinctive character and a coherent identity? Is the proposed area of a sufficient size to justify integrated management as a National Park?

• Component 1 Does the proposed area have a distinctive character and coherent identity?
• Component 2 Is the proposed area of a sufficient size to warrant integrated management as a National Park?

Criterion 3 - meeting the special needs of the area

How would designating the area as a National Park meet the special needs of the area? What difference would National Park designation make to the area for nature restoration, cultural heritage, sustainable use of natural resources, public enjoyment and sustainable communities?

• Component 1 How would National Park designation support the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and the historic environment?
• Component 2 How would National Park designation support nature recovery and restoration in the area, including ecosystem restoration, protection and recovery of vulnerable and important species and wildlife management?
• Component 3 How would National Park designation help to promote the understanding and enjoyment of the area by Scotland’s people?
• Component 4 How would National Park designation support the sustainable development and well-being of local communities?
• Component 5 How would National Park designation support the sustainable use of the area’s natural resources and how it would make a significant contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation?

Criterion 4 - visitor management and experience

How would designating the area as a National Park support visitor management and the area’s offer for education, recreation and enjoyment by all of Scotland’s people?

• Component 1 How would National Park designation enhance opportunities for enjoyment, recreation and understanding of the area’s natural and cultural heritage?
• Component 2 How would National Park designation support visitor management in the area?
• Component 3 How could National Park designation support current and potential future transport infrastructure in and around the proposed area?
• Component 4 How could National Park designation support access to nature for Scotland’s people?

Criterion 5 – added value

Why is the investment required to create and operate a new National Park for this area justified?

• Component 1 How would the benefits of a National Park in the area justify the investment required?
• Component 2 What is the added value that National Park designation would bring to the area?

Criterion 6 - local support

Is there sufficient evidence of local support for this proposal?

• Component 1 What level of local support (with evidence) is there from local interests (community bodies, landowners and managers, businesses, third sector organisations, public bodies etc).
• Component 2 What level of support (with evidence) is there from the local authority/authorities in the area?

Criterion 7 - strategic contribution

Would the designation of the area bring benefits to Scotland as a whole and contribute to strategic priorities including nature restoration, climate mitigation and adaptation action, green investment, skills and jobs and nature friendly farming?

• Component 1 How could National Park designation support the area’s leadership on climate change mitigation and adaptation in a way that is fair and inclusive for local communities?
• Component 2 How could National Park designation support the area’s contribution to commitments within the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, including ecosystem restoration, protection and recovery of vulnerable species, wildlife management, nature friendly farming, the expansion of areas that are protected for nature and the development of nature networks?
• Component 3 How could designation as a National Park support sustainable investment in the area’s natural capital?
• Component 4 How could designation as a National Park support the development of green skills and jobs in the area?
• Component 5 How could designation as a National Park complement the contribution that Scotland’s existing National Parks make to tackling the nature and biodiversity crises?