Special Protection Areas (Scotland)

SPAs in Scotland are classified by Scottish Ministers . These are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and regularly occurring migratory birds within the European Union. SPAs are classified under the EC Birds Directive (https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/birds-directive_en) and together with SACs, form the Natura 2000 network (https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm). Proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPA) may be subject to change prior to classification. For more information visit https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/international-designations/european-sites/special-protection-areas-spas