I received an email yesterday from SNH containing the following statement:

Following the SNH Board meeting in Inverness today, Ian Ross, the SNH chairman, said:
 
“Glen Roy is an important place, recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its geology. The SNH Board has listened to the many representations and recognises the significant support which exists within the local and wider Lochaber area for the Glen Roy NNR. It is also clear that there is existing good work to support visitors to the area. We have considered the concerns raised and decided to remove the threat of de-declaration and to engage with the local community and groups such as the Lochaber Geopark Association to explore ways of delivering the wider features required for NNR status – a NNR should be nationally important, well managed and be inspiring and accessible to the public, offering attractions for visitors to experience, savour, and enjoy. We have agreed we will review progress at Glen Roy in 18 to 24 months’ time.”
Mr Ross added: “The geological features of the Glen are protected through its designations as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the access rights remain the same for places bearing NNR or SSSI status. People are able to visit this part of the Lochaber Geopark under the terms of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, as they would any other area, provided they exercise their rights responsibly.
            
“This geological feature is one I’d encourage everyone to see if living in or visiting the Lochaber area.”


Thank you to all who supported this campaign. It sounds as if we still need to keep an eye out in the future.

"A NNR should be nationally important, well managed and be inspiring and accessible to the public, offering attractions for visitors to experience, savour, and enjoy."

Hmmm....., does that mean a staircase leading to the Parallel Roads, a sign stating these roads are not for 4wd, a restaurant, public toilets, cable car, downhill track for mountainbikers ?

Theo

Aye, but poor old Ben Lui and others:

http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2015/08/15/scotland-to-gain-new-great-trossachs-nature-reserve-but-lose-six-others

"The six areas which are no longer reserves don’t fit the criteria for NNRs, the board said. Ben Lui, near Tyndrum, though popular with hillwalkers, has no central point for people to engage with the reserve and no visitor facilities, it said. “The landscape interest of the area is high, but it is part of a very high quality backdrop which offers many other fine views,” it said."

So Ben Lui has no central point for people to engage with the reserve? By "central point" do they mean gift shop, toilet and cafe? Surely the hill itself and the wild surrounds is the whole point?