Welcoming Tay Forest National Park Bid

That the Parliament notes the Scottish Government's commitment to create at least one new national park by 2026; welcomes the bid led by Perth and Kinross Council, following extensive consultation, for the creation of the proposed Tay Forest National Park, with an indicative boundary including Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Birnam, Comrie and Crieff; notes that this area, often described as "Big Tree Country", has over 200,000 acres of woodland, including ancient trees and what it considers to be nationally important areas of landscape and natural heritage, including the River Tay; understands that the proposed Tay Forest National Park would contribute to the development of a thriving rural economy and to the growth of sustainable tourism, food and drink, woodland creation and nature restoration; considers that the role of a new national park is to generate and leverage investment, create new employment opportunities, and bring communities together to address local and national priorities; thanks all those who have contributed to the process of shaping the bid, and wishes Perth and Kinross Council and partners all the best of luck with their bid for the proposed Tay Forest National Park.