An important issue for economic development in rural areas is achieving a quality of development on the ground which respects the integrity of the built and natural environment. The role of environmental quality in attracting investment is now well established and is particularly relevant in rural Scotland. High amenity is often cited by the business community and the LECs as being one of the main factors in attracting development. It is essential, therefore, that development in rural areas is designed to a high standard so contributing to environmental quality. Natural Heritage 16.
Many rural areas are important for their natural heritage.
There are a number of national designations e.g. National Scenic Areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and international designations e.g. Special Protection Areas for Wild Birds and Special Areas of Conservation for endangered species and habitats. It is Government policy to protect these. Built Heritage 17. Today's rural landscape is the product of human activity over thousands of years and Scotland's particularly rich heritage of sites, buildings and landscapes of archaeological and historic interest, dating from the earliest period of human activity to the recent past, is testimony to this process. These features and landscapes are a finite and non-renewable resource.