The Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has called for Scotland's national parks to retain a balance of bringing together environmental, social and economic objectives, rather than a singular focus on the drive to net-zero and nature recovery.

SLE, the rural business organisation, made the comments as part of its response to a NatureScot consultation, The future for National Parks in Scotland.

Among the key points highlighted in SLE's response are:

• The importance of national parks seeking a balanced model of positive social, economic and environmental outcomes;

• Taking a 'bottom up' approach where those who live and work in the park are able to identify priorities and have their say on future plans;

• Recognising that national parks are living, working landscapes;

• That land managers are already delivering for nature and climate both within and outwith national parks.

Karen Ramoo, Policy Adviser (Forestry, Conservation & Wildlife Management) at Scottish Land & Estates, said: "We recognise how important it is for national parks to play an active role in nature recovery and the pursuit of net zero. However, it is imperative that national parks strike a balance between objectives for the climate and biodiversity crises while giving due consideration to social and economic objectives, ensuring that these living and working environments continue to support the fragile rural communities within them.

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"Scotland's two existing national parks serve as models of sustainable development and are central to rural economic development and recreation, sustainability and conservation efforts. They provide an integrated approach to management and sustainable development, ensuring that the special qualities of these areas are safe guarded for the long term. We believe this commitment should be maintained and sit at the core of any new national park. Rather than reinvent the wheel it seems sensible that the approach the two existing national parks have taken is built upon."

The value of land managers in delivering the aims of Scotland's national park was also emphasised by Scottish Land & Estates.

Karen added: "It is important we recognise the considerable action that is already being undertaken to actively enhance and restore species and habitats.

"Land managers continue to be at the forefront of implementing nature-based solutions and the wealth of current and historic knowledge they have of their land, and how the landscape is utilised, should be recognised and used as a means to link local know-how with delivering national priorities.

"It is essential that a bottom up, inclusive approach is taken which forms relationships with and engages with those who live, work and manage land in the park. It is important that land managers, local communities and wider stakeholders collaborate to identify the priorities for management and that there is openness and transparency in decision making processes."