The Scottish Government has invested £315,881 thus far in the quest for a new national park according to a freedom of information request. The largest portion of this expenditure, totalling £140,224, went towards nomination support funding.
Additionally, NatureScot allocated £100,000, which includes expenses related to public consultations and stakeholder engagement in 2022. Further expenses included £27,387 for another consultation and £48,269 for impact assessments.
Nominations for the next national park concluded in February, resulting in the Scottish Government publishing a final list of five potential locations, Tay Forest, Loch Awe, Lochaber, Galloway, and the Borders.
READ MORE | Scotland's next national park shortlist announced
The plans for establishing a new park stirred controversy among many rural residents, with numerous farmers and crofters expressing concerns that the parks may bring more drawbacks than benefits to the area.
Opposition from West Ross, Skye, Raasay, Ben Wyvis, and Glen Affric ultimately led to the abandonment of plans for parks in those regions.
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