Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Climate Change – in the Senedd at 2:00 pm on 6 October 2021.
Thank you for that answer, Minister. I know many people in the local area are excited at the prospect of this designation, which will provide recognition of the park's unique natural beauty and heritage. It will provide a boost to manage tourism and help to create sustainable jobs. In 2000, the Scottish Labour Government introduced a National Parks (Scotland) Act of just 41 pages, which was a streamlined procedure to designate two national parks in Scotland, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond, and meant that it took four years. Public consultation still went ahead in phases 1 and 2, which I think is one of the main concerns. Would the Minister provide an update on the planned timescale for achieving the national park status? I'm just worried that it might take a long time. Thank you.