A bid to create a Loch Awe National Park is a "once-in-lifetime opportunity" to improve the area for future generations says the local farmer behind the campaign as he prepares to steps down as a community councillor to devote more time to the project.
Last month, the Scottish Borders, Galloway, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest were announced as five potential locations, nominated on behalf of their communities, to be considered for Scotland’s next new national park.
The Scottish Government has committed to creating at least one new park by 2026. A decision is due on the proposed location(s) in the summer.
Niall Macleod, a holiday business owner who is spearheading the Loch Awe bid, serves as one of five community councillors for Avich and Kilchrenan Community Council (A&KCC), which last year looked into nominating the area.
He said: "We decided to explore the possibility to initiate the national park project for Loch Awe. We saw a threat to the area’s beauty, landscape and biodiversity from the numerous industrial-style renewable project applications being brought to our attention. We had 17 applications on the table at one time."
Mr MacLeod and another community councillor Finlay McFee researched the issue, and then reported back. On December 18, A&KCC met in closed session for three hours to thrash out its approach.
The minutes of the extraordinary meeting say: "Both subsequently reported that, while time was very short, a proposal could be made before the February 29, 2024 deadline. A wide-ranging discussion was held on the perceived pros and cons of proceeding to national park status."
At the end, four out of five community councillors, Chris Cowley, Finlay McFee, Brian Burnett, and Liza Stolton, voted that A&KCC’s nomination for a Loch Awe National Park should be withdrawn.
However, all five voted for the nomination continuing with a new steering group.
Mr MacLeod said: "As the national park project grew, it was decided to move the project to a sub-committee to give space for the community council to carry out its regular duties and activities."
He continued with the bid, launching a website and holding drop-in discussion and information days at venues within the proposed boundary, before submitting it to the Scottish Government by the February 29 deadline.
But there are grumblings across the Loch Awe area that the majority of people living locally are still "oblivious" to potential issues. Calls have been made for a public meeting to further discuss the issue.
Mr MacLeod is not standing again as a community councillor in May so he can focus on the park bid.
He said: "Having completed several terms, I am stepping away to allow me time to concentrate on my own business and the national park project. I thank the A&KCC members for all their support and encouragement, particularly Chris Cowley, the chairperson."
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