Nomination for Scotland's next national park now open

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Nominations have opened for Scotland's next national park, with 10 expressions of interest already placed. Communities and organisations across the land have been asked to submit their plans to become the third national park - following on from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and the Cairngorms.The deadline for submissions is February 29 2023, and applicants must demonstrate "outstanding national importance due to natural or cultural heritage, a distinctive character and coherent identity, how national park status would meet the specific needs of the area, and evidence of local support for the proposal".A number of areas have already submitted expressions of interest, including Galloway, the Scottish Borders, the Tay Forest, Lochaber, Skye and Raasay, Affric to Alladale, Glen Affric, the Lammermuirs, Largo Bay and Loch Awe.On a visit to Loch Lomond, Scottish Government minister Lorna Slater said: "Scotland's national parks are among our greatest assets.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'."They are home to internationally renowned landscapes and nature, and provide outstanding opportunities for recreation and local communities."They also play a crucial role in tackling climate change and protecting our precious natural environment for future generations."Now is the time to add to them.