Media statement in response to climate action speech from Scotland’s First Minister
Statement from Gordon Watson, CEO of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority
As Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, rightly stated today, the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat – it is happening here and now, in real time, with direct and damaging effects on our landscapes and communities.
In the National Park, we have already seen the devastating effects of extreme weather events. Most recently, this was symbolised by the loss of the beloved ‘bicycle tree’ at Brig o’ Turk, a beloved mature sycamore, entwined with bicycle parts and steeped in local history, was more than just a tree; it stood as a landmark for generations, symbolising the rich cultural fabric and history of the National Park. This along with the felling of an ancient Redwood at Benmore Botanic Garden, the temporary closure of Conic Hill path (one of Scotland’s busiest hills), and widespread storm damage – all underscore the undeniable impacts of climate change.
The damage caused by Storm Eowyn in the National Park serves as a local reflection of a global issue, where every fraction of a degree of warming intensifies the frequency and severity of such events. Without urgent and ambitious action, these extreme weather events will only worsen, becoming more frequent and leading to further loss, disruption, and impact on our daily lives and livelihoods.
We stand firmly behind the First Minister’s call for bold action. The validity of Climate change is not up for debate – it is a reality we all face daily. Here in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, through collaborative working with partners, stakeholders and local communities – we are already taking proactive steps to tackle this crisis. Through such collaborative working, we have made significant strides in expanding woodlands, restoring peatlands, and supporting large-scale biodiversity projects. We have already expanded over 777 ha of woodland, restored nearly 1,900 ha of peatland, and made substantial progress in freshwater system restoration, locking up millions of tonnes of carbon. Our collective efforts have only just begun, and our National Park Partnership Plan 2024-2029 (NPPP) sets ambitious targets to more than triple peatland restoration, with a goal of restoring 5,900 ha by 2030.
As Scotland’s first National Park, we remain committed to continuing and scaling up our efforts. The NPPP also outlines our continuing commitment to restoring nature, with a significant focus on restoring biodiversity and supporting sustainable farming practices. Our landscape-scale projects, such as the Great Trossachs Forest and Wild Strathfillan, cover 130,000 ha – representing 70% of the National Park – and will help to secure the long-term sustainability of our environment and wildlife.
The time for half-measures is over. We need bolder, more ambitious collective action to protect our environment, safeguard our heritage, and build a resilient future for our communities and economy. As Scotland’s first National Park, we are committed to continuing our efforts, but we need every sector and individual to unite in confronting this crisis.
We are all connected to this crisis, and we must work together – locally, nationally, and globally – to ensure that we protect not only the landscapes we cherish but also the future of generations to come.
The urgency is clear and undeniable. The moment to act is now.