Scotland’s National Park’s: Whose Park’s are they anyway?

The Cairngorms National Park Authority and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority are hosting at joint public event, ‘Scotland’s National Parks: Whose Parks are they anyway?‘ at Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday 28 September 2010.

In the week before the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park is extended to incorporate Northern Perthshire, the conference provides a fantastic opportunity to explore what being part of a National Park means.

Scotland’s two National Parks are home to some of the most special and protected landscapes, habitats and species in Scotland and offer something for everyone regardless of background, interests and ability.

The event will be hosted by David Green, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, and Grant Moir, Director of Conservation & Visitor Experience at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

David Green said: “Our National Parks deliver a huge amount for Scotland and its people. The beautiful and diverse landscape of the Parks is there to be explored and enjoyed and our businesses and communities support not just the local but the national economy.

“This event will bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate what they have to offer as well as look at some of the challenges facing our National Parks.”

On the night, there will be a series of short presentations followed by discussion and the opportunity to ask questions. The panel will consist of:

Andrew Bruce Wootton, General Manager of Atholl Estates, on what National Parks add to tourism, business and the economy.

Linda McMillan, Deputy Vice-Chairman of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and President of Mountain Protection Commission, on Citizen Scientists – a project which engages all stakeholders in the stewardship and management of National Parks to use their skills to protect the places they cherish.

Bill Wright, Vice President of the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, on why Scotland needs its National Parks and how the two Parks are protecting the country’s most special landscapes.

Paul Corrigan MBE, Chair of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum and senior fundraiser for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, on the benefits and enjoyment of National Parks and how they are helping to deliver a healthier and active Scotland.

Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, on the role of National Parks in Scotland and how they are helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s strategic objectives.

Pete Wishart MP said: “Scotland’s National Parks are an important part of protecting and preserving important aspects of our natural environment as well as promoting enjoyment of the countryside.

“These parks are for the people and for the future and I am delighted that an area I represent will be a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park.

“Highland Perthshire should never have been left out from the Park boundaries and this enlargement of the Park underscores the present Scottish Government’s commitment to this area and to the role and purpose of National Parks.”

Paul Corrigan MBE said: ” I am delighted to be taking part in this prestigious event on behalf of the CNPA.

“Having lived, worked and played in both of Scotland’s National Park areas for the past 30 years, I hope to relate how these special places provide numerous physical, emotional and health benefits and opportunities for people of all ages and interests including recreation, quiet enjoyment, exploration, challenge and discovery and of course great fun.

“It is vitally important that we do not take our National Park landscapes and our world class access freedoms for granted and we should continually benchmark, review and hold wide-ranging discussions with varied groups to undertake every action possible to ensure that we are doing the right things to look after the Parks for future generations whilst deriving the benefits for the current generation.”

The event is part of the Global Change and the World’s Mountains Conference – an international conference which brings together leading scientists and others working in and concerned with mountain areas around the world.

The event is open to the public and will take place between 7.30pm – 9pm on Tuesday 28 September 2010 at Perth Concert Hall, Perth.