Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has expressed concern at a drop in the number of weekly visits to the outdoors for leisure and recreation by Scottish adults.
A recent survey published by Scottish Natural Heritage has shown that the proportion of adults visiting the outdoors for leisure or recreation at least once a week has dropped from 48% in 2010 to 46% in 2011 to 42% in 2012.
The Conservative MSP hopes that the Year of Natural Scotland can inspire more people to get out and visit the great outdoors.
Expenditure from these visits was also down from £2.7 billion in 2011 to £2.6 billion in 2012.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The downward trajectory of these statistics represents a worrying trend that will hopefully be reversed in 2013.
“Regular visits to the outdoors often results in a better quality of life with visitors experiencing better physical and mental health. For these reasons alone we must encourage more Scots to get out and enjoy nature.
“The sustainability of many rural areas in Mid-Scotland and Fife is reliant on the outdoor economy, therefore any dent to revenue and visitor numbers must be observed closely.”