Countryside Commission for Scotland facts for kids

The Countryside Commission for Scotland was an important official group in Scotland. It was set up by a law called the Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967 in 1967. Its main job was to help people enjoy Scotland's beautiful outdoors. It also worked to protect and improve the country's natural places. This group worked alongside a similar one that looked after England and Wales.

What Was the Countryside Commission for Scotland?

The Countryside Commission for Scotland was a special organization. It was created by the Scottish government. Its purpose was to look after the countryside. This meant making it easier for people to visit and enjoy. It also meant keeping the natural beauty safe.

Why Was It Created?

Before this commission, there wasn't one main group focusing on both enjoying and protecting Scotland's countryside. The government wanted to make sure that as more people explored the outdoors, these areas would still be cared for. So, the Countryside Commission for Scotland was formed to do just that.

What Did It Do?

The commission had several important tasks. It worked to improve places for visitors. It also helped to keep Scotland's natural beauty strong.

Protecting Special Places

One big thing the commission did was help create National Scenic Areas. Scotland now has 40 of these special places. They are chosen because of their amazing natural beauty. The commission also helped set up Regional Parks. These are large areas near cities where people can go for outdoor activities.

Helping Visitors Enjoy Nature

The commission also supported things that made it easier for people to enjoy the countryside. For example, it helped create a countryside ranger service. Rangers are people who work in parks and natural areas. They help visitors and look after the environment. The commission also gave money to build things like car parks and visitor centres. These places make it easier for people to access and learn about the outdoors.

How Did It Change?

The Countryside Commission for Scotland worked for many years. But in 1992, it stopped existing as a separate group. It joined with another organization called the Scottish division of the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC). Together, they formed a new group called Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). This new group continued the work of protecting Scotland's nature. In 2020, SNH changed its name to NatureScot.