Maritime / Coastal National Park on Scotland's West Coast

Rather than thinking of a National Park just as land based you could perhaps create one focussed on maritime and coastal area around the Scotland's West Coast and the Islands served by Calmac ferries network. It could also be a marine reserve to conserve underwater and land based habitats.

Why the contribution is important

It could give strong identity to Scotland's west coast, islands and maritime landscape and enhance tourism potential of Calmac ferries network linked with rail services at Oban, Fort William, Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh etc. Isle of Mull, Staffa (including Fingal's Cave), Iona, Skye, Hebrides, etc all have strong natural and cultural significance. Scotland's West Coast and its Islands has it all: culture, castles, striking islands, seafood specialities, towering mountains and mystical lochs.

by ajnaughton on May 20, 2022 at 06:01PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 17 votes

Comments

  • Posted by JeremyHW May 22, 2022 at 09:13

    The above comment is spot on. A national park as being discussed here is indeed a managed blend of wilderness and human habitation and use with culture and nature intertwined. As with my comments elsewhere, there should be no-go conservancy areas (within a national park) to retain the absolute level of natural bio-diversity and sustainability in selected areas. This would go beyond the usual no-fishing zones to ensure the full range of indigenous species is covered (and control of farmed species intrusion).

  • Posted by Green123 May 24, 2022 at 15:45

    This is a great idea!

  • Posted by DiarmidHearns June 02, 2022 at 14:20

    Agreed, Scotland lacks a marine and coastal National Park, in contrast with Wales and England, e.g. Pembrokeshire National Park.

    A marine and coastal National Park would help manage land and seascapes, and send an important message about the importance of marine environment.

  • Posted by LeonardVaughn June 02, 2022 at 19:45

    Wife and I walked the Arran Coastal Way in 2019, for the scenery, geology, history, wildlife, and people we met along the journey. Incorporating such areas into parks would preserve, protect, and enhance access for the people of Scotland, and elsewhere.

  • Posted by LauraBennitt June 04, 2022 at 07:27

    While the idea of a coastal and marine park in this area has a lot of merit, it could only take place if the Calmac ferry services mentioned are upgraded and made fit for purpose - currently most services are already at capacity and unreliable, causing huge challenges for residents, businesses and visitors.

    Public transport links to the area and on the islands would also need significant improvement; this in turn would help with ferry capacity, as people would not need to bring so many vehicles on the ferries.
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