The following update has been received from NatureScot with more information about the consultation process and an extension of the consultation period to 14th February 2025.
I am pleased to let you that we have now launched the formal consultation phase on the proposed National Park with the publication of the consultation document today on our website This is a significant milestone in the Reporter work, and includes questions to gauge support or opposition to the proposed National Park as well as more detailed options for its possible geographic area, its powers, governance and name. We would really encourage your community council (or group) to submit a response to either the full technical survey or the summary survey.
Alongside these surveys, we are partnering with a facilitation consultant, Outside The Box, to provide a programme of nearly 30 public consultation events across the proposed area. These provide another way for the Community Council members to offer their views on the consultation and contribute any ideas or queries that have been raised within your community. NatureScot staff will be attending these events, and also a series of more informal drop-in surgeries we are planning to complement the main programme of public consultation events. Full details of the public events and activities are available on our website and the dedicated online hub we have established for this reporting work.
From the week beginning 24th November we have contracted Royal Mail to distribute a leaflet with the summary survey to the 52,000 household and business addresses in and close to the area. We are also continuing with bespoke engagement work especially with young people and have a number of sector-led consultation meetings and events planned for the consultation period including with land managers, tourism, renewables, conservation and the local authorities.
In response to the concerns being raised locally about the impact of the winter holidays, the formal consultation phase has been extended to 14 weeks and will now run until 14 February 2025.
I hope this update is helpful, but please do get in touch with us if you have any questions, want more information or have ideas or suggestions that can help your community engage with this important consultation effectively
All the best,
National Park Reporter
NationalParkReporter@nature.scot