Feasibility study for a proposed Prepared by: Duncan Bryden, Bryden Associates Scottish Borders Section on Planning by: Andrew Tait Steven Abbott Associates LLP National Park Chartered Town Planners An independent evaluation which provides Appendices on Geodiversity and History prepared by a basis for discussion by stakeholders. local experts Commissioned by the Campaign for a Scottish Borders National Park 2017 | Feasibility study for a proposed Scottish Borders National Park 1 Prepared by Duncan Bryden – Bryden Associates Smailholm Tower © Ian Oliver Photography 2017 | Feasibility study for a proposed Scottish Borders National Park 2 Content Executive summary Key facts and figures Frequently asked questions 1 Introduction 4 Background to National 5 Challenges and needs 6 Special qualities Parks in Scotland in the Southern Borders • Cultural heritage 2 Study Outcomes • A Scottish model • Introduction • Natural heritage and • Securing a balance • Fragile communities landscape and access 3 Study Methodology • Economic challenges • Connections and • Research • Tourism challenges interdependence • Consultation • Social challenges • Approach • Health challenges • Biodiversity challenges • Policy Fit 7 Does the Borders meet 8 Why a National Park? 9 So which areas might 10 Governance, powers and the National Parks Act The evidence be included? operational costs conditions and aims? • Competitive advantage • Why the Borders? • Governance options • Introduction • Building on assets • Why this part of the • Democratic control in a • Condition 1 and rationale • Creating the conditions for Borders? Borders NP • Condition 2 and rationale businesses to compete • Boundary options • What are the influence and • Condition 3 and rationale • Developing the future • Where should the powers a Borders NPA • Fit with four aims workforce boundary go? might have? • Creating employment • Settlements in or out? • Other powers and functions • Providing leadership • Preferred scenario staffing • A new method of service • Relationships with partners delivery • Core funding • Addressing biodiversity • Fund raising and matching decline with Government funds 11 Challenges 12 Are there other non- REFERENCES National Park options? • More bureaucracy? Appendices • Keeping parks relevant 13 Conclusions on the case • Resource pressure for National Park status Appendix 1 What is a National Park? • How many is too many? Appendix 2 Profile and special qualities • Competition with other 14 Where next? Appendix 3 National Park boundary options - map locations Appendix 4 Comparisons with other designations • Providing regional including Northumberland National Park opportunities (NNP) case study • Measuring economic Appendix 5 Options for planning powers and social impacts Appendix 6 Scottish Parliament official report with Scottish Ministers’ comments on NPs Appendix 7 Issues raised by Scottish Borders Council Appendix 8 Consultees for this study Appendix 9 Strategic statement by SCNP Prepared by Duncan Bryden – Bryden Associates 2017 | Feasibility study for a proposed Scottish Borders National Park 3 Foreword from the Campaign Team We have always recognised the importance of having an independent evaluation by expert consultants to objectively assess the desirability and feasibility of designating a National Park in the Scottish Borders. So the Campaign for a Scottish Borders National Park is delighted that the highly regarded consultancy, Duncan Bryden Associates, has - after collecting and analysing a huge amount of information - concluded that the creation of a National Park is both entirely feasible and provides an imaginative but entirely practical means of addressing various pressing needs in the Southern Borders. The Study explains the many important choices that need to be discussed and decided upon by stakeholders before significant parts of the NP proposal can be progressed within the remarkably flexible legislative framework of National Park governance in Scotland. To support this discussion, the Study’s authors have provided an analysis of key aspects of the structure of the proposed National Park and its governance that can be tailored to fit the unique situation and stakeholder needs of the Scottish Borders, including boundaries, planning and other powers, and have offered their views on some of these options. The Campaign Team has been at pains to ensure the independence of the consultants, so it is not surprising that we do not necessarily always share their views. However, the Study has been invaluable in helping us to clarify our own views on the best model for a National Park in the Scottish Borders, and how it could complement existing and new public and private sector initiatives. Although the Campaign Team will be publishing its own statement shortly, this will in no way detract from our appreciation of Duncan Bryden Associates’ outstanding and beautifully presented* study. One of the most enduring images to spring from its pages is of the Riders of the Borders, riding down through the ages. In difficult times they seized opportunities and went on to prosper. This Study identifies a path to a brighter future for the people of the Borderlands beginning with a proposal for a Scottish Borders National Park that works with other regional initiatives to put the region on the world map. With this Study, Duncan Bryden Associates has provided the Campaign Team - and all other stakeholders - with an invaluable base on which to begin serious and detailed discussion about the designation of a National Park in the Scottish Borders. Jane Bower On behalf of the Campaign for a Scottish Borders National Park Prepared by Duncan Bryden – Bryden Associates * Credit is also due to Vivienne Seeley, Vivid Design, for the design. 2017 | Feasibility study for a proposed Scottish Borders National Park 4 Author's Foreword As someone with By Duncan Bryden deep Borders roots, I was pleased to be commissioned by the Campaign for a Scottish Borders National Park to undertake this independent feasibility study for a proposed National Park in the Scottish Borders. I would like to thank those who have helped and Admiring the view © VisitScotland/Ian Lam contributed. Prepared by Duncan Bryden – Bryden Associates 2017 | Feasibility study for a proposed Scottish Borders National Park 5 continued... Scottish Ministers have much on their plate with public spending and Brexit issues and will decide if this proposal moves forward. But the enthusiasm, passion and pragmatism of Borders residents, communities and businesses should greatly influence their decision. The Southern Borders Abbotts Chocolate © VisitScotland/Ian Rutherford is blessed with authentic, special and inspiring landscapes. A distinct culture has evolved here and its Anglo - Scottish border location occupies a unique place in the whole nation’s history. In short, it is world class. Yet, as I engaged with groups and individuals and drew on extensive data I found that despite its many wonderful assets, as a place and a culture, the Southern Borders is facing complex and dynamic internal and external challenges. In 2011 the Christie Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services in Scotland delivered this stark warning about some of these challenges: ‘Unless Scotland embraces a radical, new, collaborative culture throughout our public services, both budgets and provision will buckle under the strain.’ Public services face both risk and opportunity. Floors Castle © VisitScotland/Ian Rutherford When faced with daunting fiscal, economic and social pressures, the risk is that services retrench rather than innovate. But the opportunities are the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. This is significant too. something I have attempted to address in setting out how the Scottish National Park model can The Scottish Government’s public service reform work. programme is searching for new visions of people and place, with a renewed focus on collaboration Secondly, I found that knowledge on the economic, and performance amongst different sectors and social, civic and environmental challenges of the the communities they serve. National Parks have Southern Borders could be more widespread and proven they can pioneer innovative approaches that the trusting relationships needed to meet the and supply additional leadership to promote challenges for everyone’s benefit could be more sustainable outcomes. deeply embedded. This is a citizen initiated report on a new National Park, prepared with limited During my research, two major points recurred. resources, but I feel it is representative and my Firstly, there is limited public understanding recommendations are reasonable. There will be (and some misconceptions) about the purpose differences of opinion on my conclusions and and opportunities of National Parks enabled by recommendation, but any errors of fact are my own. Prepared by Duncan Bryden – Bryden Associates 2017 | Feasibility study for a proposed Scottish Borders National Park 6 Executive Summary: A compelling case The case for a can be made for a National Park National Park (NP), in the Scottish shaped for the Borders Southern Borders, delivering sustainable economic growth and based on long term stewardship of the unique and treasured rich historic culture and inspiring landscapes of the Borderlands. An NP that can harness competitive advantage and create jobs while nurturing the Borders natural assets. In this summary, I would like to draw attention to the following themes which run consistently through my findings: