National Scenic Areas (NSAs) are the only national landscape designation, of national significance and of outstanding scenic interest. There are 40 NSAs mainly in the more remote and mountainous areas of Scotland all of which were originally identified in 1978 by the Countryside Commission for Scotland (CCS) in its publication 'Scotland's Scenic Heritage'. They represent the best areas of the type of scenic beauty popularly associated with Scotland and for which it is renowned. No new areas have been identified since 1978.
See a map of Scotland's National Scenic Areas
Presently NSAs are primarily regulated through planning controls. The main planning legislation is the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. In association with related primary and secondary legislation this governs the day-to-day operation of the system. It requires that development plans include measures for the conservation of natural beauty and amenity and the improvement of the physical environment.
NSAs are also recognised at the national level through policy guidance issued by the Scottish Government, particularly National Planning Policy Guidance 14, Natural Heritage.
The Planning Etc (Scotland) Act 2006 section 50 introduced new Ministerial powers to designate, modify or revoke National Scenic Areas and to give them a new statutory purpose.
Planning authorities and the Scottish Ministers must pay special attention to the desirability of safeguarding or enhancing the character or appearance of areas designated as NSAs when exercising functions under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 in relation to land in those areas.
To assist planning authorities the Planning Etc (Scotland) Act 2006 includes provision for the Scottish Ministers to issue statutory guidance to which planning authorities must have regard.
Some changes that occur within the seascape, agriculture and forestry may significantly affect the scenic qualities of NSAs and are outwith statutory planning control. Scottish Natural Heritage has been working with Dumfries and Galloway and Highland Councils piloting preparation and implementation of management strategies in local NSAs.