LandscapeBeinn Alligin

Scotland's landscape is one of its most iconic assets. It is essential for our health and well-being and thus requires careful management.

Summary

Scotland is renowned for its distinctive and diverse range of landscapes.  These have evolved over many years as a consequence of natural and cultural forces and continue to evolve today. Highlands and lowlands, urban and coastal; together they create the backdrop against which we live our lives. Landscapes contribute positively to our well-being and to the economic performance of the country. However, we risk damaging our landscapes and losing what we value about them unless more attention is paid to managing change.

Introduction

Landscape is all around us - from the rugged mountain-tops of the Skye Cuillin to the most degraded areas of our towns and cities. Many are special places; others more mundane, while some are degraded by past use. Landscapes are subject to change over time; some modifications are welcome and others less so. Responses to these changes can be very personal, reflecting the memories and associations evoked by the place. Our understanding and appreciation of landscape are strongly influenced by these human responses and emotional connections.

So what is a landscape? The European Landscape Convention defines it as an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors.  This Convention provides a definition of landscape that includes the physical elements of the environment surrounding us, be they natural (such as lochs, rivers, woodlands, mountains and hills) or cultural (such as buildings and the pattern of land use). But it is our experience and perception of the land and sea that turns these physical elements into landscape.

The Scottish Government has described the diversity of Scotland’s landscapes as a national treasure, and states that the aim should be to build environmental capital and pass well-managed, high-quality landscapes on to future generations. Concern for the landscape is therefore part of wider efforts to deliver a more sustainable future and its better care is an important contributor to the social and economic well-being of the nation. They are many reasons why landscape is important to us:

  • the quality of our surroundings can make us healthier by encouraging physical activity and promoting recovery from physical and mental stresses;
  • attractive, accessible landscapes, including green spaces in urban environments make a significant contribution to people’s quality of life and community well-being;
  • for the vast majority of visitors (both UK and international), our fine scenery is the main reason for choosing Scotland as a holiday destination. Around 66% rated it as very important and 24% as important in influencing their decision to visit. It is estimated that tourism based on enjoyment of Scotland’s landscapes is worth £420 million per year to our economy;
  • landscape is an important part of Scotland’s image. It helps to promote Scotland as a desirable location, attracting inward investment and supporting branding of significant Scottish products;
  • landscape provides intangible qualities such as beauty, tranquillity, enjoyment and wildness. These qualities are important whether people seek them directly or feel the contentment of just knowing that they exist;
  • landscape provides a living history of Scotland's past, an inspiration for its art and culture, and a subject for scientific study.