What is the process and timeline for a new National Park in Scotland?

Under the current timetable, nominations of specific areas would be sought in the second half of 2023.  Each nomination will then be assessed against the selection criteria before Ministers decide which of them are progressed as formal proposals. The evaluation criteria used to assess the nominations will be consulted on in the first half of 2023.

The process and timeline that is in place is as follows:

• The criteria and evaluation framework for deciding the location of the new Scottish National Park will be public in March 2023.

• Nominations from areas wishing to be considered need to be submitted in Summer 2023.

• Scottish Ministers will assess the proposals and issue a statutory proposal for new National Park(s) in Winter 2023/24 or Spring 2024.

• Reporter Investigation (including public consultation on proposals for new National Park(s) and advice to Minister) Spring 2024 to Winter 2024/25.

• Designation Order(s) (including public consultation, parliamentary scrutiny and order coming into effect to designate the new National Park(s)) Spring 2026.