Pentland Hills park expansion opposition advised

Scottish Borders Council is being advised to oppose proposals to extend the Pentland Hills Regional Park into the Borders and South Lanarkshire.

MSP Christine Grahame introduced a bill to extend its southern boundary earlier this year.

A report to councillors in the Borders raises concerns about the staffing and financial implications of the move.

They are being advised to seek a review of the potential extension and to formally oppose it in the meantime.

The bill seeks to bring the whole of the Pentland Hills range into the regional park.

A parliamentary committee has been set up to consider it and is seeking views before 28 September.

A report to Scottish Borders Council said the move could have a significant impact on the region.

In particular, it highlighted financial concerns and staffing issues.

The report warned there was a danger that additional employees would be required or it would "draw disproportionate resource" from elsewhere.

It said that could be "to the detriment of other equally important areas".

"In conclusion, the bill has been brought forward without proper consideration of its strategic need or likely implications for the park or for its constituent councils," it said.

"In that light it is proposed that the council objects to the proposal so that its views can be heard by the parliamentary committee."

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