Scotland could be home to the first Coastal and Marine National Park in Britain by 2008, under plans announced last week by Ross Finnie, the Scottish environment minister.

Scottish National Heritage (SNH) has been asked to undertake a study to assess where and how a park could be established.

Finnie said: “Scotland’s coastline and seas are a valuable natural, cultural and economic resource.

“We are committed to better managing that resource in the interests of our communities and the wide range of important species the seas and coasts support.”

The Hebridean Marine National Park Partnership has been campaigning for several years for the Scottish Parliament to protect the seas in the Inner Hebrides and likely sites for the park are believed to be off the coast of Oban or Shetland.

The project is intended to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area; promote the sustainable use of natural resources; encourage access to coastal and marine life and assist the sustainable economic and social development of local communities.

A spokesperson for VisitScotland said: “Any development of this nature creates an interest in the area and can ultimately lead to an increase in visitors. The new national marine park is a great example of how to best utilise and protect Scotland's coast and ensure it remains one of our most popular visitor attractions."

The SNH chairman, John Markland, is due to meet Ross Finnie soon to be fully briefed on the project. Details: www.scotland.gov.uk