Brian Donnelly, Senior News Reporter
Famers and estate owners and managers are opposing an MSP’s plan to double
the size of a regional park.
NFU Scotland and Scottish Land and Estates have spoken out against
proposals to extend the boundary of the Pentland Hills Regional Park amid
fears that the as yet publicly un-costed plan will lead to an unfair and
unnecessary burden on farmers and land managers in the area.
The proposal in a Scottish Parliamentary Private Members’ Bill put forward
by Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale SNP MSP is
to extend the size of the park to include most of the Pentland Hills range.
Supporters say the plan would protect the environment and minimise
developments such as wind farms.
Farmers claimed that over recent years, funding and resources for the
existing park have been under increasing strain as local authority budgets
have been tightened and services cut.
With local authorities warning that additional funding will not feature in
future budgets, it is claimed the Bill has overlooked the funding
requirements that an extended park will require.
It is also claimed that, if passed, the Bill could lead to the
incorporation of approximately 20 further farm businesses unequipped to
take on the unofficial stewardship role bestowed upon them to finance
essential maintenance, including repairs to paths and fencing.
Kerry Barr, NFU Scotland’s regional manager, said responsible access is
already available and added: “The union is greatly supportive of the public
enjoying the countryside and using the land for leisure pursuits.
“However, it is essential that land taken for public access is maintained
so that it can also remain productive for agricultural use.”
Anne Gray, of Scottish Land and Estates, described as the voice that
represents those who own land and rural businesses, said: “There is no
provision for funding and resources at this stage and therefore all that
will change is a line on a map.”
Among those in favour of the extension are Scottish Natural Heritage, the
Mountaineering Council for Scotland and the Association for the Protection
of Rural Scotland lobby group.
SNH claims extending the boundary would help give locals access to
activities that would have health benefits,
Ms Grahame said finances would be set in time and added: “Not all farmers
agree with the NFU and I know some are very supportive of my Bill. ”
She added: “The Pentland Hills are already extensively used in the southern
part and although my Bill does not impose financial duties on any council
or others my Bill I hope will act as a catalyst to bring fresh thinking
into how the hills are managed.
“This is already happening because I too want to see more sustainable
management of the hills which will benefit famers.”
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