Written submission from Angus Macdonald Lockhart, Lee and Estates, Dunsyre, , ML11 8NQ

I give below my response to your proposal to extend the Park:-

1. I do not support the proposal for a Bill to extend the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The existing Park provides adequate and satisfactory informal countryside recreation for the public.

2. With current economic constraints, this is not the time to be proposing such a Bill. How would the extension be financed? Would South and the Scottish Borders be prepared to contribute towards the costs of such an extension?

3. No comment.

4. The existing southern boundary should remain as it exists at present. If the southern boundary were to be extended, the Estate would be required to be more diligent in monitoring and observing the impact by walkers and other recreational users, on farming, forestry and sporting activities. This would create more expense for the Estate and farm tenants.

5. It is clear that the proposal for an extension has not been thought through properly, so it is now essential that the Scottish Parliament produce a feasibility study on costs and implications of such a proposal.

 How would possible developments within any proposed extension be affected?  How would new woodland proposals be affected?  How would proposals for new farm buildings be affected?  How would possible wind turbine developments be affected?  The existing Pentland Hills Park exists to provide and promote informal countryside recreation, close to urbanised areas in and around . Clearly the proposed extension is not in or around Edinburgh.  If the Bill progresses, I would wish to be given the opportunity to make further comment.

To summarise and reiterate, I am against the proposal to extend the Park for the reasons stated above.