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Isles park ballot result expected Isles park ballot result expected
(about 7 hours later)
Islanders on Harris in the Western Isles are to be told the results of a vote on whether they want to pursue national park status.Islanders on Harris in the Western Isles are to be told the results of a vote on whether they want to pursue national park status.
The island's population has been declining steadily - down by a quarter over a 20-year period.The island's population has been declining steadily - down by a quarter over a 20-year period.
Some argue the designation would create jobs and attract new residents.Some argue the designation would create jobs and attract new residents.
But others are wary, pointing out that national park status would mean restrictions on other types of potential economic development.But others are wary, pointing out that national park status would mean restrictions on other types of potential economic development.
Harris is the southern part of the landmass attached to Lewis and among its geographical features are the Harris Hills - the highest is An Cliseam at almost 800m.Harris is the southern part of the landmass attached to Lewis and among its geographical features are the Harris Hills - the highest is An Cliseam at almost 800m.
The isle takes its name from the old Norse meaning "high land" and has been described as the "high heart of the Hebrides".The isle takes its name from the old Norse meaning "high land" and has been described as the "high heart of the Hebrides".
Scotland already has two national parks - one covering the Cairngorms and the other Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. It's going to persuade people to have more pride in their environment and to encourage their children to come back to Harris John Murdo MorrisonLocal resident Scotland already has two national parks - one covering the Cairngorms and the other Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
The Cairgorms is 40% larger than the Lake District and twice the size of the west of Scotland park.The Cairgorms is 40% larger than the Lake District and twice the size of the west of Scotland park.
Calum Mackay, from the North Harris Trust, which owns most of the north of Harris, is in favour of National Park status.
He told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme: "There is historical evidence which shows that there are two things that happen really with national parks that are important - more people want to visit them and also more people actually want to live in them."
Local resident John Murdo Morrison also backs the plan.
In the Highlands and Islands nowadays people don't matter John MacleanLocal resident He said: "It's going to increase tourism, it's going to increase the employment, it's going to persuade people to have more pride in their environment and to encourage their children to come back to Harris in the future."
But John Maclean, who has recently returned to live in Harris, is against the move.
He said: "In the Highlands and Islands nowadays people don't matter - birds, flowers, that's what matters, not the local people, there's absolutely no question at all about that."