Skye National Park drops out bidding - but Oban could be joining it

Earlier Strathglass Community Council, which led the bid for Affric and Loch Ness National Park, decided not to proceed despite majority backing in a community consultation.

It attracted 405 responses with 50.37 per cent supporting a bid, 41.23 per cent opposed and 7.9 per cent unsure. But views in postcode IV4, which incorporates the community council area, was split 50-50.

Those responding ‘yes’ largely cited the potential for environmental protection and visitor management, it said, while those voting ‘no’ largely cited the impact on farmers and crofters, and the potential for increasing visitor numbers and property prices.

The team behind a bid for Ben Wyvis and Glen Affric National Park also pulled the plug following community engagement events and a survey.

A spokesperson said: "While opinion in the area seems to be split pretty evenly for and against mounting a bid for national park status, it became clear that it would not be possible to properly and fairly address the serious concerns raised with us within the timescale allowed.

"Our team shares misgivings concerning the limited timeframe and resourcing afforded to nominating groups thus far, and in light of this we do not feel confident that the process going forward to the next stage will be allowed sufficient time and resource to achieve a satisfactory collaborative outcome."

A majority of people surveyed in Wester Ross and Lochalsh - 55.9 per cent - recommended no nomination for park status be put forward.

The survey, by community-led charity Wester Ross Biosphere, had 287 responses with 32.2 per cent voting Yes and 11.9 per cent unsure.

It said: “There is not sufficient evidence to demonstrate that communities find value in pursuing national park status. We recognise the sample size was small and the statutory timeline set out for consultation was challenging. However, we think it is important to respect the majority of those who were able to respond.”

Meanwhile in Argyll, a bid for Loch Awe National Park is pushing ahead - and may now include Oban following "positive support" in the town, said organiser Niall MacLeod. 

He told us: "There were fantastic consultations, really informative. Oban may have to be included with that amount of positive support from the town. Is it now Oban and Loch Awe National Park? Perhaps, it is all to play for."