National Park status will not be created in Western Isles in the Harris region.
Many islanders are disappointed by the news, although concerns had been raised about the restrictions park status would place on economic development.
In a letter to the North Harris Trust, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said she did not back the formal process at the moment.
“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar”
Harris has seen a falling population over many decades and islanders had voted in
favour of national park status.
It was hoped that a third national park for Scotland and first for an island region would rejuvenate the community. It was estimated that 90 jobs would be created by the move.
However the proposal could not secure the backing of Western Isles Council and it seems this was a deciding factor in the Minister’s decision.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Ministers have stated that they would not wish to consider a case for National Park status for Harris without the full support of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
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