14/03/2008 01:37:00
The boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park are to be extended, according to an announcement made by Scotland's Environment Minister this week.
Following campaigns made by local communities in the north of Scotland, the MSP Mike Russell stated that the borders of the Cairngorms - already Britain's largest national park - would be redrawn to include parts of eastern and Highland Perthshire and Blair Atholl.
In addition, the Scottish Parliament is set to review whether the Cairngorms and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park are being run as efficiently as possible. According to the BBC, Mr Russell is appointing a Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to compile the report.
In an announcement made at the Scottish Parliament, he stated: "Our National Parks have an important role to play in achieving a greener Scotland, by supporting rural communities and improving the environment.
"Internationally, their iconic landscapes are at the heart of Scotland's image and reputation."
The Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Parks are Scotland's only national parks, with Loch Lomond having been established in 2002 and the Cairngorms in the following year.
However, Mr Russell said that, at present, the Scottish government does not possess enough funds to set up any new park areas, to the dismay of some local and environmental campaigners.
Commenting on Mr Russell's recent visit to the Cairngorms, David Green, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, commented: "To truly create a world class national park takes strong and effective partnerships mixed in with a great deal of enthusiasm for getting the job done.
"I think we are certainly seeing that here in the Cairngorms and it's a credit to all of those agencies, organisations and groups involved."