In section 2, after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A)

Before making a proposal under subsection (1) the Scottish Ministers must have regard to advice provided under section 2A.”.

After section 2, insert—

“2AAdvice before making a National Park proposal

(1)

Before making a National Park proposal, the Scottish Ministers must seek expert advice on the matters set out in subsection (2) from such persons as the Scottish Ministers consider to have expertise relevant to the National Park aims and the conditions for designation set out in section 2(2).

(2)

The matters are, in relation to the National Park aims and conditions for designation—

(a)

the management needs of the area,

(b)

whether designation as a National Park could—

(i)

improve the management of the area, and

(ii)

help to meet the special needs of the area, and

(c)

such other matters relating to the designation of a National Park as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.

(3)

The Scottish Ministers must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the expert advice has been provided, lay a copy of the advice before the Scottish Parliament.”.