Coastal and Marine National Parks

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:57 pm on 26 October 2006.

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Photo of Ross Finnie Ross Finnie Liberal Democrat 2:57, 26 October 2006

The SNP is always telling us to look beyond Scotland. National parks are recognised internationally as making a major contribution in areas—[ Interruption. ] The SNP does not want to spend any money on the good things in Scotland. That is its policy, but it is not the Executive's policy. We want to provide a basis for improved co-ordination.

Jamie McGrigor has expressed concern about the management of inshore commercial fishing activity, but I have clearly indicated that that will continue to be led by the newly established inshore fisheries groups and that the creation of a park will not take over the role of those groups. A coastal and marine national park will be a driver for local sustainable development. There is no contradiction in inshore fisheries group management plans complementing the aims of a coastal and marine national park.