Stirling Politicians Welcome £3.6 Million National Park Funding Boost

Published:

Categories: Environment, Rural Affairs, SNP Scottish Government

Local Councillor Evelyn Tweed and Alyn Smith MP

MP for Stirling Alyn Smith, and local councillor Evelyn Tweed, have welcomed a £3.6 million increase to Scottish Government funding of the nation’s national parks, as announced in the draft budget.

The 2021-2022 plan indicates an uplift from £13.9 million to £17.5 million overall, boosting efforts by the Loch Lomond & Trossachs and the Cairngorms National Parks to preserve our natural heritage for future generations to sustainably enjoy. 

The Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, parts of which fall within the Stirling constituency, boasts on average around 4 million visits per year and remain a powerful asset to Stirling’s local tourism industry.

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘The National Park plays a huge role in developing, safeguarding and showcasing Stirling’s stunning natural beauty. I know from experience the hard work local communities, organisations and Park staff put in to make the visitor experience the best it can be. This uplift in funding will help the organisation continue to deliver for Stirling, and Scotland.’

Local councillor Evelyn Tweed said:

‘Stirling’s natural assets are globally renowned, with tourists coming from all over the world to experience what the National Park has to offer. The team there does great work in close partnership with local community groups to secure the environment’s long-term success. I just know the Park and it’s surrounding appeal will play a huge role in Stirling’s recovery from the pandemic.’

Notes:

Scottish Government Draft Budget, page 119: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/corporate-report/2021/01/scottish-budget-2021-22/documents/scottish-budget-2021-22/scottish-budget-2021-22/govscot%3Adocument/scottish-budget-2021-22.pdf?forceDownload=true

Visitor Numbers:

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk/fact-file#:~:text=With%20over%207%20million%20visitor,Scotland’s%20most%20popular%20countryside%20destination.