This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Funding increase for National Park
28/02/2002
The funding allocation for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, for 2002/2003, has been increased by £1.9 million, it was announced today.
This funding increase brings the resourcing level for the Park in its first year of operation to £4.8 million.
Announcing the funding increase, Allan Wilson, Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development, said:
"We are committed to ensuring that Scotland's first National Park gets off to the best possible start. I considered carefully the funding proposals submitted to me and also the expressions of support for additional resources from Gillie Thomson, Chair of the Interim Committee, and MSPs Sylvia Jackson, Jackie Baillie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Brown and Duncan Hamilton. I am therefore pleased to allocate this further level of assistance which enhances considerably the original allocation. I believe this will allow the Park to fund a reasonable programme of activity in its first year.
"This additional funding reflects the increased area of the Park, particularly the inclusion of the Argyll Forest park. It is also a further endorsement of the Executive's long-standing commitment to ensure that National Parks are appropriately resourced."
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is expected to be established at the beginning of July, this year. The Park Board will have 25 members
The National Park aims are
- to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area;
- to promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area;
- to promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public; and
- to promote sustainable economic and social development of the area's communities.
* Orders which set out the boundary of the National Park, the planning powers of the National Park Authority, the membership structure of the park Authority and arrangements for electing members to that authority were