Communities

Communities must remain a vital part of the new National Park.

“We all know that the National Park idea is to protect the environment,” says Park Authority Member Owen McKee, who has run the Village Shop in Lochearnhead for the last 26 years. “But the Park is beside the point if there’s nobody living here!”

Owen represents the biggest ward on the new Park authority. It’s his first taste of public office.

“I’m very interested in the Park concept itself, and I want to make sure there’s something to ensure our youngsters remain in the area,” he says.

“Evolution has got to be very much a part of it rather than forced development. There is no magic wand, but if someone comes up with an idea that can be developed we must be able to promote and help that development.”