I was delighted to hear that both of Scotland’s Geoparks were recently revalidated by the European Geopark Network- here’s hoping that it’s the first step to wider recognition for Scotland’s unique geological heritage, and that the money granted to the Geoparks by the Scottish Government can help to secure their long-term future.
That the Parliament welcomes the news that both of Scotland’s current geoparks have been revalidated by the European Geopark Network (EGN); understands that membership of the network, which is part of a global network supported by UNESCO, illustrates the outstanding geological heritage of a territory and is subject to revalidation every four years; considers membership of the EGN to be vital to the sustainability and success of both the Shetland and North West Highland geoparks; further considers that the Scottish Government’s welcome announcement of a £280,000 investment in both geoparks demonstrates the importance of geotourism in Scotland, and looks forward to both geoparks developing as educational centres and increasing grassroots community involvement.
Jean Urquhart 