Alisdair Allen MSP
The results were 732 ‘Yes’ votes compared to ‘No’ with 311, there was only one spoiled paper and the turnout to the ballot was 71.6%
Chair of the Isle of Harris National Park Study group Calum MacKay commented: “I am delighted that the people of Harris have shown such a clear interest in this issue that they have turned out to vote in high numbers. The decisive vote in favour means that the community has clearly expressed its support for National Park status which we welcome.”
If National Park status is granted Harris would become the third such park in Scotland the others being the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and Trossachs.
Commenting on the results of the ballot Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan said: “I am delighted that this result is a decisive one. On a 70% turnout 732 people voted yes to 311 voting no. This allows the local steering group to pursue this issue with Government. It is worth stressing that this idea has not come from Edinburgh but from the community itself. Outgoing Environment Minister, Mike Russell, made clear that he would engage very positively with any plan for a national park but had no interest in forcing one on Harris against its will.
“I will now be seeking a meeting between the new Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham, the Steering Group and myself to help plan the way ahead.
“One of the significant things about the proposal for a national park in Harris is that it is not merely about preserving a landscape, spectacular as that landscape is, it is also about developing the local economy and bringing new life to the island’s Gaelic heritage and language.
“Obviously some islanders had concerns about the implications of national park status and I would be hopeful that negotiations with the Government would respect and engage with all of the community regardless of how they voted.
“However, the people of Harris have sent out a very clear signal today that they want new life and prosperity for one of Scotland’s most fragile island communities.”
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