>Coastal and Marine National Park: “Coastal and Marine National Park

11/10/2006

A special roadshow gets underway today to mark the start of a consultation into proposals for Scotland’s first Coastal and Marine National Park.

A high-tech touring truck will offer people the opportunity to learn more about the proposals and have their say on the location and management of any future park.

Short films on all ten candidate areas:

* Argyll
* Firth of Clyde
* Lochaber
* Moray
* Orkney
* North Uist
* South Uist
* Shetland
* Solway
* Wester Ross

It was at Troon in Ayrshire today before setting off to visit a number of coastal communities over the next four weeks.

The candidate areas for the park are, Solway, Argyll Islands and Coast, Ardnamurchan, Small Isles and the South Skye Coast, North Skye Coast and Wester Ross, North Uist, Sound of Harris, Harris and South Lewis

At Troon today, Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said:

‘There is a huge amount of interest, activity and diversity on our coasts and sea. It is crucial that coastal and marine-based activity is managed in a sustainable manner which integrates socio-economic and environmental factors for the long-term benefit of our people and natural heritage.

‘I can give an assurance that we will be listening to all views and will take all of them into account before any decision about the designation of a park is made.’

Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said:

‘We are committed to protecting Scotland’s marine resources for the benefit of those who live and work in or visit our spectacular shoreline.

‘That is why I want to encourage everyone with an interest in our coasts, from fishermen to sports enthusiasts and environmentalists to use this opportunity to have their say.’

A coastal and marine park would have the same broad purpose as terrestrial national parks.

* conserve and enhance the natura”