Fire management consultation
Background
Earlier this year, the Park Authority consulted on the potential introduction of a fire byelaw. Over 1,600 people took part, with 79% supporting the introduction of a byelaw, 16% against and 5% unsure. The Park Authority did not express a preference during this consultation, but the results gave the Park Authority a mandate for change. You can read a summary of the consultation results here.
Drawing on feedback from the general public, landowners and partners, the Park Authority board agreed on 28 June 2024 to develop a seasonal fire management byelaw, which would last from 1 April to 30 September each year. This decision was based on feedback from the consultation, which suggested that the approach should be easy to communicate, not perceived as heavy-handed and cover the period with the greatest risk.
By law, the Park Authority must now consult on the specific wording of the byelaw, as set out in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000.
Timeline
- 8 February to 17 April 2024 – initial consultation on the introduction of a fire management byelaw.
- 28 June 2024 – Park Authority board agree to develop a seasonal byelaw.
- 13 September 2024 – Park Authority board approves the wording for byelaw consultation.
- 23 September to 16 December 2024 – formal consultation on proposed wording.
- January 2025 – Park Authority assesses responses and considers final wording, to be submitted to Scottish Ministers for review.
We want your views
As part of the formal consultation on the draft wording of the fire management byelaw, we are seeking views on the following three questions:
- Do you agree with the wording of the byelaw as set out in the fire byelaw consultation document?
- Do you propose any changes to the wording as set out in the fire byelaw consultation document?
- Do you have any other comments on the proposed byelaw?
Follow the link below to read our fire byelaw consultation document, or get in touch to request a paper copy of the consultation document.
The deadline for responses is 16 December 2024.