As Scottish Natural Heritage publishes the independent analysis of the public consultation on its wild land map, the John Muir Trust hailed the findings as further evidence of strong public support for the protection of Scotland’s wild land.

A total of 410 submissions were received, with 300 supporting the wild land map, including Walkhighlands. As a comparison, there were 472 responses in total on alcohol minimum pricing; 139 responses on reducing the drink driving limit; and 56 responses on the abolition of corroboration.

An analysis of the responses carried out by two independent organisations, Craigforth Consultants and Planning Aid Scotland, has now been published. Its key findings are:

73% “generally support” the wild land map

21% “oppose or raise substantial concerns” about the map

7% are “unclear or have no view”.

A further breakdown of the data reveals that

86% of individuals responding support the map, while 12% oppose it

72% of third sector organisations support the map, while 17% oppose it

53% of local authorities support the map, while 20% oppose it.

Although energy companies opposed the map, non-energy businesses, especially those in tourism – the largest sector of the Highland economy – were in favour.

Stuart Brooks, chief executive of the John Muir Trust said: “The scale of public support for the wild land map shows that people care passionately about wild land and want to see it better protected.

“The energy companies who demanded this consultation now have to accept their views are in the minority. In fact, there were more submissions calling for the wild land map to be extended rather than reduced.

“The sensible, middle way forward now is for the Scottish Government to accept the wild land map as it is, and incorporate it into the new National Planning Framework and planning policies now under discussion.

“The adoption of this map and a commitment to protect our wild places for future generations would be an achievement of which the Scottish Government could be proud.”