Do you want a national park? Wester Ross and Lochalsh residents asked for their views
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Wester Ross and Lochalsh residents are being asked if they would like the area to become a national park.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that Scotland will get a third national park in the near future – to add to the Cairngorms, and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs parks set up in the noughties.
And a host of communities in the north have begun exploring the possibility of creating a national park somewhere north of the Great Glen – with early bids already mooted for separate sites centred on Glen Affric and Ben Wyvis.
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Indeed, there are several areas dotted all across Scotland that have already committed to submitting nominations, and they are now working to secure the approval of their communities.
But in Wester Ross and Lochalsh, an alternative approach is being trialled. A community-led charity named Wester Ross Biosphere have asked he company Lateral North to help facilitate local discussion – but with no predetermined commitment to submit a nomination for the area.
A spokesperson for WR Biosphere said: “Our goal is not to drive a positive or negative outcome. We believe it’s an important conversation to have within our communities as they think about the future of their region. We encourage everyone to respectfully share their views whether they are for, against, or unsure.”
Despite challenging weather conditions, the communities’ interest in the question was evident in the recent drop-in sessions. There was an impressive turnout, highlighting local concerns and aspirations for the region's future. In addition, special attention is being given to the perspectives of younger community members, with initiatives like engaging students at Gairloch High School.
The final decision about putting forward a bid will be in the hands of the local communities and individuals. They are being encouraged to complete an online survey to share their views by 12pm on February 19.
Survey results will be announced by 12pm on Tuesday, February 20 on the Wester Ross Biosphere website and via email to those who submitted contact details on the survey.
If communities are in favour, it will be an opportunity for local volunteers to put themselves forward to form a steering committee to organise the nomination. Wester Ross Biosphere does not intend to lead on any potential nomination. They say their focus is to encourage and facilitate discussion.
If you are a resident of Wester Ross and Lochalsh and would like to share your thoughts on a national park you can find the link to survey at www.wrb.scot.
The deadline for nominations across Scotland is February 29.
Wester Ross Biosphere (WRB) is a community-led registered charity in Scotland that locally manages the UNESCO Biosphere designation. WRB works to promote sustainable environmental, social and economic development, along with conservation and research.
Lateral North is a Glasgow-based company which works across disciplines harnessing design, architecture, masterplanning, community engagement, filmmaking, photography, digital technologies, and interpretative design to tell the stories of people, organisations, communities, institutions and governments. Visit www.lateralnorth.com for more information about Lateral North.
