SCOTLAND: Radcliffe hails support for Scotland's best asset

Scottish Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Nora Radcliffe MSP today welcomed approval by the Scottish Parliament of the Nature Conservation Bill.

Speaking from the Scottish Parliament, Mrs Radcliffe said:

"Scotland's natural heritage is worth millions of pounds to the Scottish economy and supports thousands of jobs. The Nature Conservation Bill will protect this valuable resource. It will reform the SSSI system, reinforce wildlife crime measures introduced under the Criminal Justice Act and promote the importance of Scotland's biodiversity.

"A great deal of work has gone into building consensus between all who work and manage the land and those who want to visit Scotland's protected areas. This consensus is reflected in unanimous parliamentary approval for the Nature Conservation bill. This primary legislation demonstrates the Liberal Democrats and this Executive's commitment to delivering a better environment for Scotland."