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DECLARATION
OF PURPOSE
ASSERTION
The Scottish Council for National Parks strove for, and in 2000 welcomed,
Legislation to establish national parks in Scotland. Council believes
that areas which have outstanding landscape, wildlife, scientific, historical,
recreational or cultural values should be designated as national parks.
Areas that are subject to actual or potential damage from any source should
be given priority for designation.
This assertion is based on the premise that the highest quality landscapes
available within a nation should be secured against intrusive human development.
In a real sense, they should be conserved for the recreational and spiritual
enjoyment of present and future generations, while still available for
existing, sustainable land management under different ownerships, including
private ownerships. These values also support the view that a complex
system of adjoining ownerships and functions requires an integrated and
holistic approach to management for the benefit of the whole
The designation should have as its overriding purpose, the conservation
of natural and scenic qualities of the area and, insofar as it is compatible
with that purpose, also provide for the recreation, quiet enjoyment and
understanding of visitors and ensure that local people can contribute
to and benefit from the establishment of national parks.
Council believes that these objectives can only be achieved by independent
park authorities which represent local and national interests. They must
have effective powers, including planning powers and they must have adequate
staffing and funding.
As a voluntary, non-government organisation and a registered charity,
Council will monitor relevant legislation, the policies of government,
the management practices, development decisions and plans of the park
authorities, and all statutory plans applying to any park area, whether
prepared by the park authority or any other authority, and it will make
representations as necessary and will seek to ensure the establishment
of national parks in other areas as appropriate.
For and on behalf of the Scottish Council for National Parks
Robert Maund, Chairman
