New National Parks: nominations guidance and appraisal framework

Content and appraisal of nominations

The appraisal of nominations for new National Park(s) will be based on:

• the nomination form which all areas wishing to submit a nomination for National Park status will be asked to complete and submit by the deadline.
• the appraisal framework that will be used to assess proposals.
• any additional relevant information that is requested or commissioned by the appraisal panel.
• separately, compatibility with the application of regulatory frameworks surrounding existing and planned projects and activities for the area will be considered as part of the appraisal process.

General guidance for nominating groups:

• nominations must be submitted using the standard nomination form. All sections of the nomination form must be completed.
• maximum word counts for each section of the nomination form should be adhered to.
• while groups collaborating to combine resources/knowledge is to be encouraged, all individual nominations will be considered as part of the appraisal process.
• a clear message from last year's public consultation was the need to ensure the nomination process is clear, simple and as open as possible. As a result, nominating groups are only required to provide the information that is set out in the nomination form. A more detailed consideration of the potential powers, functions, governance and costs of a National Park proposal would form part of the statutory reporter investigation. This reporter investigation would commence if Scottish Ministers decide that a nomination should be taken forward for designation.
• where required, Scottish Government officials may contact nominating groups during the appraisal phase where information is required to support the appraisal of nominations.
• we have outlined below the questions that nominating groups are asked to answer using the standard nomination form. Each question specifies maximum word limits for each section. There is also guidance on the information and types of evidence that can be used to demonstrate how the proposed area meets the broad selection criteria for new National Parks that are set out in the appraisal framework (at Annex A).

Guidance on completing the nomination form

Below we provide guidance for nominating groups on each question in the nomination form.

Question one

What is the area being nominated for National Park designation?

Guidance for nominations

Nominating groups should provide a name and written description of the proposed area (or options for the area) including its approximate size, geographical scope and its main settlements. This should also specify the local authority area(s) that the nomination is within.

(Maximum word limit 500 words)

Question two

Why is the area of outstanding national importance due to its natural heritage or the combination of its natural and cultural heritage?

Guidance for nominations

Nominating groups should provide an explanation of why they consider that the proposed area is of outstanding national importance due to its natural heritage (including biodiversity, geodiversity and landscapes) or the combination of its natural and cultural heritage (including aspects of the area's historic environment).

Nominating groups may wish to include relevant evidence/indicators of natural and cultural heritage that are set out in the 'outstanding national importance' section of the appraisal framework.

(Maximum word limit 2,000 words)

Question three

Why does the size, character and identity of the area warrant designation as a National Park?

Guidance for nominations

Nominating groups should explain the rationale for designating the proposed geographic area as a National Park. This should include the approximate size of the area (sq miles/km). It should also include an explanation of the area's distinctive character and coherent identity, for example due to the landscape character types and/or defined nature networks.

Nominating groups may wish to include relevant evidence/indicators that are set out in the 'size, character and coherence' section of the appraisal framework.

(Maximum word limit 1,000 words)

Question four

How would designating the area as a National Park help to meet the special needs of the area?

Guidance for nominations

Nominating groups should explain how designating the area as a National Park would help to meet the special needs of the area. In particular, they should set out how designation as a National Park would help to address the following (as set out in more detail in the 'meeting the special needs of the area' section of the appraisal framework):

• Potential for the protection, recovery and restoration of the area's natural assets.
• Potential for the conservation and enhancement of the area's cultural heritage/historic environment assets.
• Challenges and opportunities for sustainable use of the area's natural resources.
• Challenges and opportunities regarding the economic and social development and wellbeing of the area's communities.

(Maximum word limit 2,000 words)

Question five

How would designating the area as a National Park support visitor management, sustainable tourism and access for all? How would it enhance public understanding and enjoyment of the area's assets?

Guidance for nominations

Nominating groups should outline visitor management and tourism pressures, challenges and opportunities in the area. They should explain how designating the area as a National Park would help to address current challenges and enhance visitor management and public enjoyment, understanding and access to the area's assets.

Nominating groups may wish to include relevant evidence/indicators set out in the 'visitor management and tourism' section of the appraisal framework.

(Maximum word limit 1,500 words)

Question six

How would designating the area as a National Park bring wider benefits to Scotland as a whole and support national priorities?

Guidance for nominations

Nominating groups should explain how designating the area as a National Park would bring wider benefits to Scotland as a whole and support national priorities including:

• climate change mitigation, adaptation and achieving a just transition to net zero
• biodiversity and nature restoration
• encouraging nature-friendly farming
• development of green skills and jobs
• responsible investment in natural capital

Nominating groups may wish to include relevant evidence/indicators set out in the 'strategic contribution' section of the appraisal framework.

(Maximum word limit 1,500 words)

Question seven

Is there evidence of local community engagement and participation in developing the proposal? Is there evidence of local support for the proposal? Does the nomination include any concerns or opposition?

Guidance for nominations

Nominating groups should set out who has been involved with the development of the nomination, including key individuals and organisations/groups.

They should explain how they have engaged with local communities and interest groups and demonstrate the level of support for the proposal.

Nominating groups should also include details of any concerns andopposition from stakeholders and affected communities.

Nominating groups may wish to include relevant evidence set out in the 'local support' section of the appraisal framework.

(Maximum word limit 2,000 words)

Appraisal framework and selection criteria

The appraisal framework at Annex A sets out the broad criteria against which nominations will be appraised. It also includes some of the relevant types of evidence and indicators that nominating groups may wish to include as part of their nomination. Separately, compatibility with the application of regulatory frameworks surrounding existing and planned projects and activities for the area will be considered as part of the appraisal process.

Nominating groups should be aware that the framework and criteria are not weighted and that nominations will be appraised on the merits of the overall proposal and should aim to demonstrate - with evidence - how they meet each of the criteria.

Appraisal process and decision on National Park proposal(s)

Following the appraisal of all nominations received, a summary report and advice to Scottish Ministers on the outcome of the appraisal process will be produced. The decision of whether a nomination which meets the selection criteria is to be taken forward as a national park proposal is then at the discretion of the Scottish Ministers. In summer 2024, Scottish Ministers will announce the area or areas to be proposed to become a new National Park, subject to legal conditions being met including compatibility with other regulatory frameworks in place or planned for the area. The statutory reporter investigation outlined in section 2.3 will then commence. Scottish Ministers will then decide and announce the area or areas to be designated as new National Park(s).

Where nominations do not succeed in being proposed for National Park designation, the Scottish Government may contact nominating groups to discuss the contents of their nomination and any viable alternative options, particularly where there is the potential for nominating groups to make a significant contribution to nature restoration and climate change mitigation and adaptation in their areas.