The possibility of a second national park in Argyll and Bute has been labelled a ‘Marmite’ issue by a council official.
Discussion took place yesterday as part of a briefing paper on Scottish Government proposals for new national parks.
And Matt Mulderrig, the council’s development policy and housing strategy manager, said that he had been made aware of split views on the possibility.
Argyll and Bute already contains part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, stretching from the boundary with West Dunbartonshire on the west shore of Loch Lomond to the northern part of the Cowal peninsula.
At the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee, Cllr Jan Brown asked Mr Mulderrig if there had been any expressions of interest in a new national park in the area.
He said: “I know anecdotally that people have talked about being interested, but as far as we are aware, nobody has presented anything concrete.
“One thing not mentioned in the report is that although we are not in the process of getting nominations, which we anticipate at the end of the summer, the Scottish Government has put out a process for nominations of interest.
“It is really just a register; it is not just a case of community groups being able to put themselves on a list.”
Cllr Brown then asked: “Do we think it is a good idea to have another national park in Argyll and Bute?”
Mr Mulderrig responded: “Many people have many different views about it. It is almost like a Marmite thing – some people love the idea, others hate it.
“I know my own opinion is not shared by all officers, and I know members of the public have split views.
“We had a fairly detailed consideration of it before Local Development Plan 2, having a special workshop on it with members.
“It was pretty much 50-50 on whether to explore one in more detail. We knew that this was coming up.”
Cowal Cllr Gordon Blair added: “My ward covers an area of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. We need to ensure we do not lose common sense with regards to the living and working and economics of a rural area.
“I think this will be one to watch and needs to be seriously considered, because if we give up our planning control over those areas, this could be thwarted by somebody who is based elsewhere.”
The Scottish Government has announced that it wants to designate at least one new national park during 2026, saying they help the environment as well as supporting communities.
A new national park was considered by Argyll and Bute Council in the early stages of discussing its new Local Development Plan, but the idea was shelved by officials.
Now actual proposals for a new national park would come from local communities rather than the council itself.
Last week Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater said: “I look forward to engaging with communities and learning more about their proposals, and I encourage everyone to get involved as we move closer to naming Scotland’s next national park.
“Our existing national parks play an important role in tackling the biodiversity and climate crises, whilst also supporting local communities, businesses and visitors.
“Last year we consulted widely on the future of national parks in Scotland, and there was broad support for our commitment to create at least one new park by 2026.”
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