The first ever plans detailing the management of both Scotland's National Parks for the next five years were approved today. (15/03/2007).

The authorities controlling the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Parks have produced plans after extensive consultation with other public bodies, communities, and businesses.

Deputy Environment Minister Sarah Boyack said:
"I am delighted to approve, at the same time, the first ever Plans for both of Scotland's National Parks. This demonstrates the significant progress that has been made since the two National Parks were set up several years ago.

"The Parks were established to protect the outstanding natural beauty of the areas. These Plans are integral to that objective whilst also addressing other important issues such as living and working in the Park, tourism and outdoor recreation.

"The Park Plan is a shared vision for the future of the Park. I would like to congratulate all the organisations, communities and businesses who have been involved and, in particular the Park Authority, which has taken the lead in the preparation of the Plan."

The Minister also approved revised byelaws for Loch Lomondto take effect from May 21 this year. In so doing she stressed the need for effective enforcement in relation to the use of jetskis.

Under the revised byelaws, the Authority will increase the area of the loch covered by a speed reduction from 22 per cent to 30 per cent. An extension of the existing 11 kilometres per hour speed limit around the islands and off the east shore is intended to enhance quiet enjoyment, separate competing recreational activities and improve safety.

Convener of the Loch Lomond and The National Park Authority, Dr Mike Cantlay said:
"The Minister's approval of the Park Plan signals a new period of heightened activity. We've managed to draw together the wide-ranging views of other organisations and our communities into this plan. It gives a comprehensive framework for action that is based on clear priorities and supported by all our partners who will be vital to its implementation.

"The Park Authority itself will lead on many of the plan's initiatives but in many other cases it will be supporting others to take the lead be they other public bodies, community based groups or NGOs.

On the byelaws, Dr Cantlay added:
"The Park Authority will implement the byelaws from May 21 this year. We will step up enforcement in key areas, with the introduction of our new patrol boat in April and we also hope to have the Police joining our Rangers on patrol again this year. We will do all we can to raise awareness amongst loch users about the changes during the lead-in period."

Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority David Green said:
"This first National Park Plan provides the public bodies involved in the Park, as well as the local communities and businesses, clear priorities to work on over the next five years and sets out the longer term vision of achieving a world class Cairngorms National Park, which will deliver real benefits for the people who work, live and visit the Park and for Scotland as a whole.
"Working in partnership is key to managing the National Park and achieving its aims. We all play our part to look after and improve what we value about this wonderful area.
"The Plan has set a number of priorities, such as making the Park accessible for all and providing affordable and sustainable housing. They will be challenging, but through the commitment of the Park Authority, its partners, the local communities and businesses we can really make a difference to benefit the natural and cultural heritage of the Park and its local communities."

The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 requires Scottish National Park Authorities to prepare and submit to Scottish Ministers a National Park Plan that sets out how the National Park will be managed to achieve the four National Park aims.

The aims of the National Park are:

The National Park Plan will be reviewed every five years.