The Highland Council has called on communities across the region to advocate for their local area to be designated as the country's newest national park.

Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans is encouraging nominating groups to discuss their bids with relevant Council officials and elected members.

He said: "I advise all groups wishing to secure Council support for a National Park nomination within the Highland Council boundary to get in touch with our Environment Team as soon as possible."

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Before offering support, all nominations will be subject to a simplified assessment process and will be considered by local area Members to ensure that the nomination does not raise any significant concerns or issues for the Council.

Where formal support is to be offered, this will be agreed at a relevant committee or with approval of the Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee and the Council's Chief Executive.

Cllr Gowans added: "To ensure that the process outlined above can be completed, we ask that all National Park nominations seeking Council support are submitted to the Council's Environment Team by email by 31 January 2024."

To submit communities should email [email protected] before the 31 January. The Council cannot guarantee support for any nomination submitted after this date.

In May the Scottish Government and NatureScot issued a call for expressions of interest following their commitment to designating at least one new national park in Scotland by Spring 2026.