Further to the answer to question S1W-7913 by Sarah Boyack on 14 June 2000, what progress has been made in identifying the candidate Specia…

The Nature of Scotland, published by the Scottish Executive in March this year, affirms the Executive's belief that Scotland's nature is at the heart of our common wealth as a nation.As part of our commitment to Scotland's nature, the Executive is committed to working with people to achieve effective protection for our most special places for nature. The identification of areas as candidate Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive is a guarantee that these places will remain special.Sarah Boyack's answer identified a series of sites which would be the subject of consultation before Ministers decided whether they should be transmitted to the European Commission as new candidate Special Areas of Conservation. After considering the representations made by consultees, the Scottish Ministers have decided that the following sites should be selected as candidate Special Areas of Conservation:Site Name | Local Authority Area
Abhainn Clais An Eas and allt a'Mhuilinn | Highland
Achnahaird | Highland
Altnaharra | Highland
Ardnamurchan Burns | Highland
Ardvar and Loch a'Mhuilinn Woodlands | Highland
Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan | Highland
Berriedale and Langwell Waters | Highland
Borders Woods | Scottish Borders
Broubster Leans | Highland
Buchan Ness to Collieston | Aberdeenshire
Cape Wrath | Highland
Carsegowan Moss | Dumfries & Galloway
Cawdor Wood | Highland
Coille Mhór | Highland
Coyles of Muick | Aberdeenshire
Craighall Gorge | Perth & Kinross
Crieff Woods | Perth & Kinross
Dam Wood | Highland
Dinnet Oakwood | Aberdeenshire
Dogden Moss (Greenlaw Moor) | Scottish Borders
Dun Moss and Forest of Alyth Mires | Perth & Kinross
East Caithness Cliffs | Highland