Parks are set up by Local Authorities to provide open-air recreation facilities close to towns and cities. All the parks have a rural character and are managed primarily for informal recreation. Some have nature reserve areas and most have a visitor centre and ranger service to encourage and facilitate visitor understanding.
"Country Park" is not a statutory designation.
The Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967 Section 48 gives local authorities power to assess and review the need for Country Parks in consultation with NatureScot.
