A new map of Scotland’s wild land has been drawn up to help form a framework of where major developments such as windfarms might be built, and the public are being asked to comment on it.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has launched a seven-week consultation on the map showing core areas of wild land across the country.
It is a result of SNH’s work to advise the Scottish Government and others on the extent and location of the wild land resource north of the border.
As part of the recent government consultations on the Main Issues Report for the National Planning Framework 3, and draft revised Scottish Planning Policy, a number of respondents offered comments on the detail of the wild land map.
In light of these, the Scottish Government has asked SNH to carry out a consultation on the map.
Andrew Bachell, SNH director of operations, said: “Scotland has a worldwide reputation as a beautiful and impressive country.
“The wildness people can experience and the images of wild places are an incredibly valuable asset which makes an important contribution to our tourism industry.
“Wild land makes a crucial contribution to our quality of life and we know that most people who live in Scotland consider wild places to be important to them.
“Wild land areas are also valuable to nature and are often home to some of our most remarkable wildlife. The map is the result of a systematic and robust study that we carried out and we’re keen to hear what others think. We hope that the map will help government, local authorities and developers to take account of wild land in decisions about land use and development.”
The consultation runs until December 20. SNH will review all the comments received and prepare further advice for Scottish ministers on the map, including any proposed changes.