September 2003: Formal transfer of powers to Cairngorms National Park Authority established Scotland's second National Park, the largest in the UK (1,466 square miles) and one of the biggest in Europe. The Park Authority has powers to call in for its consideration any planning application for a proposed development in the park area which could impact on the National Park aims:
conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area
promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area
promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public
promote sustainable economic and social development of the area's communities
July 2002: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park officially "opened" by the Princess Royal on July 24. All 25 members of the board of Scotland's first National Park took up office on Thursday, July 8, 2002, the establishment date of the new authority. Five members were directly elected, ten nominated by local authorities and a further ten appointed by Scottish Ministers. The suggested split of the ten local authority nominees is: Stirling four, Argyll & Bute three, West Dunbartonshire two, and Perth & Kinross one. The NPA will have responsibility for the preparation of the local plan, development control and associated functions. Local authorities will maintain responsibility for structure planning and consult the NPA on their preparation.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - Map - Friends of Loch Lomond - Scotlink response
December 1999: WWF Scotland ran the first electronic petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for Marine National Parks to be included in the National Parks Bill.
March 1999: Scottish Natural Heritage submitted their recommendations to government following consultation through 1998. Copies of the SNH consultation paper may still be available from SNH, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW. NEMT responded to the consultation paper and to the subsequent proposals.
September 1997: The Secretary of State for Scotland announced that the new Scottish Parliament will introduce legislation to create National Parks in Scotland. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is to be the first area and the Cairngorms and a small number of other areas are also to be considered. Scottish Natural Heritage have been delegated to consult the public and to recommend areas and the structure and powers that will be required.
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Page updated 04-Sep-2004