1957
National Nature Reserve
National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are areas
of land which are very important for nature conservation and
which are managed with the intention of making sure their special
nature is maintained and prospers.
more
information
1976
Biosphere
Reserve
Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial
and coastal ecosystems which are Internationally recognised
within the framework of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme.
more
information
1979
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas
Act
Buildings and archaeological sites of
national importance scheduled under the Acts. This requires
legal protection and consent is required from the Scottish Ministers
for any work that will lead to damage, demolition or destruction
of the monument, any works of repair, removal or alteration
and addition. This includes archaeological investigations or
any alterations to or developments of the buildings.
more
information
1981
National Scenic Area
National Scenic Areas are those areas
of land considered of National significance on the basis of
their outstanding scenic interest or unsurpassed attractiveness.
They must be conserved as part of the country's natural heritage.
more
information
1984
Site
of Special Scientific Interest
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
is the main nature conservation designation in Great Britain.
These sites are special for their plants or animals or habitats,
their rocks or landforms or a combination of these.
more
information
1986
Scotland's
first World Heritage Site
A natural or cultural site designated
by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, as of 'outstanding
universal value'.
more
information
1992
European Community Special Protection
Area
Special Protection Areas are
areas designated by the European Community in what is commonly
known as the Wild Birds Directive. The aim is to safeguard the
habitats of migratory birds and certain particularly threatened
species.
more
information
Present
European Community Proposed Special Area of Conservation
Special
Areas of Conservation are created under the European Directive
on Habitats and Species. The Directive is a response to a recognised
need within the EC to protect all forms of wildlife and their
habitats.
more
information
2003
World Heritage Site Revised Nomination
In February
2003 the Scottish Executive presented a revised nomination to
Unesco seeking further inscription under the Cultural Criteria
and Cultural Landscapes categories in recognition of the heritage
of the islands and the unique example of Scottish historyand
culture that they represent. Read
further information and the entire Nomination document on the
Nomination page.
2004 World Heritage Site Status Extended
In July 2004 the St Kilda World Heritage Site has been extended
to include the surrounding marine environment by the UNESCO
(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation)
World Heritage Committee at a meeting in Suzhou, China.
2005 Dual World Heritage Status Awarded
In July 2005 the St Kilda World Heritage Site was awarded
Dual World Heritage Status,
for its natural and cultural significance. Following the preparation
of an extended Comparative Analysis, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee,
meeting in Durban, South Africa, accepted the extension to the existing
marine and terrestrial natural heritage World Heritage inscriptions.
The inscription will now include the 'cultural landscape' left by
thousands of years of human occupation.