Wild Land News no 56, Winter 2002/2003

Wester Ross National Scenic Area Article

Alistair Cant reports on a pioneering project in the north-west.

A very interesting project has been undertaken in Wester Ross - a National Scenic Area (NSA). Wester Ross has been chosen as a pilot to produce a Management Strategy for the NSA, which has been in existence for 20 years. The project was organised through Highland Council and Scottish Natural Heritage. It is hoped that this approach of a comprehensive management strategy could then be replicated in other NSAs throughout Scotland.

A local working group was established and extensive consultation took place. The Scottish Wild Land Group were invited to comment on the draft Management Strategy in May (Read our response). This draft was very effective in describing and analysing the key elements that comprise landscape character and scenic qualities. Often these attributes are not given much study in reports on the assumption that everyone 'knows' a fine landscape such as Torridon or Assynt, and that not much else needs to be said.

However a careful description of a landscape both helps identify the key elements that, if removed, would 'weaken' the character; and allows substantive grounds for objecting to developments that would harm the key qualities.

The NSA strategy almost became too comprehensive in that we felt that by listing all the issues and threats, the key ones became diluted by other relatively minor ones. In Wester Ross we see key issues being ones such as new hydro schemes, overgrazing and overzealous fencing.

There was a slight danger that this management strategy could become turned into a local economic development plan, and it is crucial to not lose the focus on the landscape, the wild land issues and the key role these play in the area. The report showed the fundamental role played by the mountains, the rivers, the lochs and the sea in Wester Ross, and the benefits that flow to the locality from such a wonderful landscape. The report did highlight one element often missed from official reports - the promotion of 'quiet enjoyment' as a major asset for an area.

As ever in reports trying to reach a balance or consensus, big issues are identified - such as the need for sustainable management of resources, such as grazing, fish resources and open hill land. However when the action programme involves setting targets for individuals and groups operating locally, the changes aimed for become scaled down. For example under the heading of grazing management, the deer management groups are to be positively supported to take account of the aims of the NSA. This seems very weak when looking at issues of huge deer numbers and the excessive use of fencing as a consequence.

The publication of the strategy caused some local controversy, as reported in the West Highland Free Press. Some people complained of knowing nothing about the project, which is strange in view of the extensive local consultation, whereas others saw the report as a stepping stone to the designation of the area as a future National Park, and thus a serious threat.

It is clear that to achieve good progress locally takes enormous amounts of time, resources and commitment as people wish to be convinced before signing up wholeheartedly. The difficulty is in ensuring the bigger picture and national issues are assessed and prioritised. Hard decisions really need to be made to protect and enhance the very landscape qualities that define this and other similar areas.

Overall the strategy is very worthwhile, though unfortunately the funding for the project worker has come to the end of its timespan and we wonder how much will now be achieved without this focus.