Theme Park

Scotland currently lacks a world class theme park on the scale of some of the venues located in England like Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Drayton Manor etc.

Small scale theme parks are a popular additional element of Scottish events like music festivals or Christmas markets and Hogmanay but too often are overlooked as old fashioned or end of the pier entertainment by some. But a modern large scale theme park using the latest innovations in rollercoasters, special effects and augmented realty can be a huge draw for families and younger tourists alike.

A new National Park in the South of Scotland over hundreds of acres that blends the beauty of nature and wildlife could easily house woodland walks, nature reserves and cycling trails alongside 5-10 rollercoasters, water park and specialist theme rides and attractions based around some of the famous films set in Scotland to attract visitors from all over the country and North of England and be accommodated in purpose built onsite hotels, lodges and camping with restaurants and bars.

The existing National Parks are in close proximity to Highlands, east and west of Scotland so Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway could benefit most from such a development as well as close to the road and rail links with the North of England’s towns and cities.

The rides and attractions could be themed around Scotland’s history such as our industrial or shipbuilding heritage, clans, Vikings, Romans, myths and legends and modern day success stories like Outlander, Harry Potter and Crime Fiction.

The advantage of using a National Park site is environmental and sustainable development could be built into the construction and theme of the park from scratch to be a world leading destination. The rides and attractions can be built into the natural environment in the woodland or moorland used. Old mining land and other post-industrial locations could be regenerated as well as boosting rural communities that suffer depopulation through lack of economic opportunities for young people.

Why the contribution is important

Theme Parks done properly on a grand scale can be major employer and economic driver for an entire region. Alton Towers for example is worth around £70 million annually to the region and employs 2,000 people over the course of a season across a range of skills and disciplines including engineering, hospitality, management and marketing.

The South of Scotland not only can serve the central belt and other parts of Scotland within a few hours but the 15 million or so people that live in the North of England. It would also help relieve the over tourism in parts of the Highlands for example Skye and the North coast 500, also contributing to to fewer miles travelled to the Highlands and reducing emissions but keeping the economic benefits within Scotland. Schools and families would be less likely to travel out with Scotland to visit theme parks in England if there was a viable alternative closer to home.

by AndyDewar on May 23, 2022 at 08:48PM

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Based on: 6 votes

Comments

  • Posted by ihl June 04, 2022 at 00:22

    This is the worst and stupidest idea I have heard for a long time. If you want a theme park, stick it in the middle of a city where it might belong.

    The last thing we want here in Galloway is a theme park so forget it.
  • Posted by tmarshall June 06, 2022 at 06:59

    This is not what a National Park should be designated for.
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