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Autumn/Winter 2014 Dear Members and Friends

May I introduce myself as the new Chairperson of SCNP? And then I must apologise for not writing to you sooner! Whilst I have a professional background in environmental planning, landscape and tourism consultancy, chairing an NGO is a first for me. Given that Unfinished Business (UB) had only been launched in April 2013, and that 2014 was the centenary of the death of John Muir, the accepted founder of National Parks, with associated celebrations and conferences, I felt that I had been well and truly thrown in at the deep end! Well, SCNP is still here and still pursuing its objectives despite a serious lack of financial and human resources. If anyone has ideas as to where we might obtain funding, or knows of anyone who has the time and inclination to join our Executive Committee, please let me know. My year began in May with the John Muir conference, in Perth, National Parks and Protected Areas for the 21st Century. We were disappointed not to have secured a slot at the conference to discuss UB, so we organized a preliminary fringe event to which the conference organizers kindly alerted all delegates. Whilst turnout could have been larger we enjoyed some very interesting and useful discussion after our presentation. Looking at the conference speakers we were concerned that the issue of more National Parks in Scotland would not be raised, never mind debated. We need not have worried for, much to our surprise, Mr Wheelhouse (then Minister for Environment) in his welcoming address raised the issue, saying that "whilst the success of our two National Parks is unquestioned, I believe it would be wrong at this time to raise expectations regarding the designation of others …". Had our press release stating "As a nation we are currently near the bottom of the world league in terms of the number of NPs, and we believe it would be a fitting tribute to John Muir if the Scottish Government set wheels in motion to create new NPs to protect and promote more of Scotland`s magnificent landscapes, and help regenerate some of the more fragile parts of the country" galvanized the Minister into action, or was it David Stewart MSP's suggestion that "it is time to reinstate the spirit of John Muir and seriously explore the creation of new NPs in Scotland"? Whatever it was, George Monbiot striding

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onto the stage, waving a copy of UB and telling everyone to read it, ensured that in the following discussions more NPs was the key issue. Copies of UB disappeared at breakneck speed from our display stand, and we left the conference on a high, knowing that we could not have imagined, in our wildest dreams, a better or higher platform. However the Minister's press release of that same day (14 May) raised some serious and most concerning issues. It included the following statement: "while we would not rule out a further designation at a future stage, this would only be appropriate if there was a clear view expressed as to what model of new NP is being proposed; what its objectives were; whether a robust business case demonstrating its financial sustainability was demonstrated; and clear evidence of community and local authority support was made. As there are no current proposals which meet these tests the Scottish Government has no plans to designate further NPs in Scotland". We have asked ourselves whether this is an invitation to prepare proposals or whether it is the imposition of a new set of hurdles. We do not know, and have not yet managed to meet the (new) Minister to discuss them. The Island of Harris proposals seemed to meet all his criteria except local authority support, and yet in only one case in the whole of the United Kingdom has NP designation ever received local authority backing. We know what the objectives of NP status are but designation has never, to our knowledge, relied on a business case being made for it. That economic justification is now apparently required for NP designation is reflected in Ministerial statements, such as "ecosystem services must be part of how we plan all policies that impact on the natural environment", and that there is a need to "value all the services and benefits we get from the environment". This approach is manna from heaven to developers. It is the privatisation of the natural environment into something that can be bought and sold. It could take us to the situation where we know the price of everything but the value of nothing. Mercifully the 2011 National Ecosystem Assessment, a UK attempt to value our natural capital, acknowledged that it could not take into account the widely held view that "nature merits

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conservation regardless of any material benefits or measurable values". I would argue, therefore, that it doesn't require an ecosystem services approach to recognise the value of much of Scotland's natural environment: but the current government approach is of major concern. We must be on our guard against our NPs becoming development agencies, and new NPs being decided upon or defined by commercial criteria. There is no doubt, though, that NP designation brings with it significant economic benefits both to an NP itself and to adjoining areas. There is much research work in the UK and the rest of Europe which supports such a view, but very little predicting the economic and social benefits of an area's designation as an NP. We are currently exploring this issue and perhaps developing a research/PhD project brief. In association with APRS we are also seeking possible new ways of establishing and administering NPs, including the idea of an NP Service for Scotland as outlined in UB. We are looking for innovative, cost-effective solutions, and if you have any ideas or suggestions do please get in touch. A particular project that I would like progressed is our cross-Border NP based on the Cheviot Hills in Scotland and the Northumberland NP in England. Locally there's significant support for the idea, and if cross-Border NPs can work in Africa, amidst dreadful conflict and strife, surely we can make it work in the UK! We are always keen to meet people who have an enthusiasm, a role or potential role in matters NPs. Thus, for example, we met Grant Moir the recently appointed Chief Executive of the Cairngorms NP and wish him every success. Likewise Fiona Logan of the LLTNP, who left the Park in January, must be thanked for her support. We have not always agreed on issues, but she has brought to the NP a refreshingly positive approach to the many challenges she faced: we wish her successor, Gordon Watson, a fair wind. We continue to liaise and work with the Friends of Loch Lomond who, under the chairmanship of James Fraser, (an SCNP Committee Member) have had a fantastic year in terms of fundraising and support for numerous local and community initiatives in the Park. We look forward to the day when the Cairngorms has an equally successful Friends organisation. We are looking forward to meeting the new Chairman of SNH and exploring with him how we might work together to protect, conserve and enhance our outstanding natural and cultural environment.

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We hope to have our annual meeting with the Minister for the Environment soon, to press our case for more NPs and maybe obtain some real and positive election manifesto commitments in this direction. We also meet soon with representatives of Scottish Land and Estates to discuss designations, landowner attitudes and other issues related to existing and possible NPs. We have re-established an annual meeting with the (English) Campaign for National Parks, and I am sure there is much we can learn from each other. We are also keen to keep up with the current debate on and review of Welsh protected areas, including NPs, where quite radical proposals may be surfacing. Congratulations are due to the John Muir Trust for pushing hard the concept of Wild Land, in June 2014 resulting in the publication, by SNH with the support of Scottish Government, of a Wild Land Areas map. This classification covers 19% of Scotland's land area, and the importance of it is recognised by both the new National Planning Framework 3 and Scottish Planning Policy documents. Sadly, however, the Government gave consent for the largest single industrial energy development (a windfarm) in the Scottish Highlands a short time before the Wild Land designation was announced. JMT are challenging Stronelairgs' approval, and are appealing for any assistance or support people can give. Is this another case of Government's right hand not knowing what its left is doing? The decision threatens the success of the new designation, and demonstrates where protection of our environment is on Government agendas — pretty low! I close with the news that we are in the process of creating an additional category of SCNP membership, namely Business Membership. Final details have yet to be agreed, but do watch this space. This may be another opportunity for you to bring our important work to a wider, wealthier audience, and give greater power to the SCNP's elbow. Ross Anderson Chairman

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News from the Parks Tomintoul and Glenlivet secure Heritage Lottery Fund support The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), on behalf of partners working with the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust (TGDT), has obtained earmarked funding of over £2.5million from the Heritage Lottery Fund through its Landscape Partnership programme. This funding, alongside £50,000 from the CNPA, £40,000 from the Crown Estate, £50,000 from Highland and Islands Enterprise, and significant voluntary input from local communities and other organisations, enables the development of detailed proposals in Tomintoul and Glenlivet that could see a total investment of £3.6M in the area. Tomintoul and Glenlivet have a distinct heritage with many colourful stories, which the project will use to promote rural regeneration and encourage more visitors. The communities will share and celebrate their heritage, building on economic regeneration already under way, and significantly enhancing the landscape, heritage, skills and development potential. There will be training opportunities for local people to learn new skills. Planned work includes projects to improve the museum and visitor centre in Tomintoul, to gather oral history, to conserve important buildings in the area (such as Scalan and Blairfindy Castle, to restore woodland along sections of the River Avon, to create more wetland habitat for wading birds, and to improve paths in the area. Steve Smith, Chair of the TGDT, was delighted with the outcome of the Landscape Partnership bid, which reflected passion and commitment to preserve, enhance and celebrate the unique landscape and heritage within the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area. The project also focuses on working with young people, in particular supporting Speyside High School's Rural Skills programme, and running junior ranger posts in conjunction with schools and the Crown Estate. Eleanor Mackintosh, CNPA Board Member, was very excited about the new partnership, seeing the first phase of support from Heritage Lottery Fund as recognition of the very real commitment that the communities, the Crown Estate, agencies and others were making to the long term development of Tomintoul and Glenlivet.

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Visitors Flock to See Countryside Legend Tom Weir’s Statue on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond Since the unveiling of the bronze statue of countryside legend Tom Weir at Balmaha Bay on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond on 29 December, thousands of visitors have flocked to see it, and it is on target to be one of the most photographed statues in Scotland in 2015. Commenting on the popularity of the statue (by sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn), James Fraser, Chairman of the Friends of Lomond and The Trossachs, who coordinated and helped deliver the project on behalf of the Tom Weir Memorial Group, said: "The level of interest in the statue following the very successful launch has been astonishing in all weathers, with a steady flow of visitors, many turning up wearing Tom’s signature red and white toorie hats to be photographed beside the statue.’’ This special celebration, marking the centenary of Tom Weir’s birth and his contribution to popularising the great outdoors through his adventures as a climber, naturalist, writer and broadcaster, was a great success with around 500 folk hearing tributes from well-known outdoor writers and broadcasters Cameron McNeish and Jimmie MacGregor, and from popular Scottish minstrel Alastair McDonald who played some of Tom’s favourite music. Buoyed by the initial success of the statue, the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Tom Weir Memorial Group plan to raise a further £25,000 for a second phase of picnic area upgrading works, improving paths, installing story boards and seats as well as producing educational materials to introduce youngsters to the National Park and the great outdoors, building on Tom Weir’s pioneering work. This would take the total investment to £100,000. The public appeal remains open and donations can be sent to the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, The Old Station, Balloch Road, Balloch G83 8SS.

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Funds, or the Lack of Them Subscriptions. The Hon. Treasurer issues a gentle reminder that subscriptions were due from 1 September. For all those who pay by Standing Order, many thanks. For those who don’t, just think how much easier it would be to pay each year by Standing Order, thus earning the Hon. Treasurer’s everlasting gratitude! The amounts due are: Members £20.00 Friends £10.00 A Couple of Friends £16.00 Cheques should be made payable to Scottish Campaign for National Parks and sent to Robert Maund, 2 Glebe Road Kilbirnie Ayrshire KA25 6HX And remember, any additional funds you can bring to bear on SCNP's important work will also be well spent in this great cause. It will be good to see the Hon. Treasurer smile more frequently in 2015!!

Unfinished Business: this Worthwhile Struggle goes on. Our next phase of work has begun, implementing the Campaign Strategy agreed between SCNP and APRS in 2014. This work focuses on:

• By 13 March promoting the signing of a Parliamentary Petition which can now be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/GettingInvolved/Petitions/nationalparks

• Lobbying for the inclusion of commitments to more National Parks in all political parties’ manifestos for the 2016 Scottish Elections

• (Establishing and) nurturing contacts in the seven proposed National Parks

• Promoting SCNP Executive Committee member Graham Barrow’s report (see next Newsletter) on the socio-economic benefits of National Parks and

• Further fundraising (no surprise there!) for a larger Phase 3

Your (LL&TT) Park: Transforming our Lochshores SCNP Consultation Response (Extract) "We have a strong interest in ensuring the special scenic and recreational qualities of the National Park are enjoyed by all, and in a responsible manner, to ensure the natural environment is protected and enhanced for current and future generations. We therefore fully support the National Park Authority’s vision as set out in the current Partnership Plan and in section 2 (page 6) of the Your Park consultation document. It is important, given the close proximity of the National Park to major concentrations of population, and its popularity as a day and tourist destination, that there are adequate high quality campsites and places for camper-vans to stop, but we do not agree that all new provision should be on sensitive and appealing lochshores simply because this is where the majority of current pressure points and problem areas are. There is a role to be played too by neighbouring settlements and attractions for example, by making better use of existing car parks that are currently underused overnight. There is also scope for expansion of existing holiday parks to cater more effectively for campers, camper-vans and touring caravans throughout the National Park, as well as the creation of small scale camping sites at a limited number of lochside locations..."