Plans to create Scotland’s third nationwide park in Galloway and Ayrshire have been scrapped, the Scottish authorities has introduced.
Galloway was final yr chosen as the popular location for the nation’s latest nationwide park.
A public session was carried out by NatureScot, with native residents, communities, companies and events invited to share their views on the proposal.
Plans for the scheme – principally in Dumfries and Galloway but in addition extending into components of South and East Ayrshire – proved contentious.
Picture:The proposed space for Galloway Nationwide Park
Supporters argued it will put the area on the map, increase the native economic system, and forestall it from turning into a “dumping ground for inappropriate windfarms”.
Nonetheless, opponents claimed making it tougher for builders to safe planning permission for initiatives would negatively have an effect on financial exercise within the space.
Different issues raised included home costs probably being pushed up, in addition to the area’s potential to deal with any further tourism.
In an replace on the Scottish parliament on Thursday, rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon instructed MSPs that 54% of those that engaged with the session opposed the plans, whereas 42% supported it.
Bearing in mind native responses alone, 57% had been discovered to be in opposition in comparison with 40% in favour.
Proposal hasn’t ‘garnered sufficient local support’
Ms Gougeon mentioned: “Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation and consultation, the reporter has advised that, whilst it considers that the proposed area meets the conditions for a national park set out in the legislation, the proposal does not have sufficient clarity, nor has it garnered sufficient local support to proceed to the next stage of designation.”
Picture:Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon. Pic: PA
The MSP added: “We’ve weighed up the arguments for and in opposition to the creation of a brand new nationwide park within the space, taking full account of the potential financial, social and environmental elements, and we have now come to the conclusion to not proceed with the designation of a nationwide park in Galloway and Ayrshire.
“I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new national park in Galloway over many years.”
There are at present 15 nationwide parks within the UK – two in Scotland, 10 in England and three in Wales.
Cairngorms Nationwide Park and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park are the 2 north of the border.
The facility-sharing Bute Home Settlement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens in 2021 led to the Scottish authorities pledging that “at least one” new park can be designated by spring 2026.
Galloway noticed off competitors from areas within the Scottish Borders, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest.
The joint Galloway Nationwide Park Affiliation (GNPA) and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSABP) bid touted the world as “Scotland in miniature” with its “diverse landscapes and stunning coastline, its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage”.
What was the general public session?
Ms Gougeon mentioned NatureScot’s public session ran for 14 weeks from November 2024 till February 2025.
Greater than 5,000 surveys had been accomplished and greater than 1,000 individuals attended occasions that had been held in relation to the plans.
Conferences had been additionally held with native authorities and group councils, and with representatives from the farming, forestry, tourism, renewables and conservation sectors.
‘Heated debate’
Ms Gougeon mentioned public curiosity within the proposal had “proven to be huge” and generated “both strong support and strong opposition”.
She added: “At times, the debate has become quite heated.”
Ms Gougeon mentioned whereas the designation of a brand new nationwide park won’t go forward in Galloway and Ayrshire, the Scottish authorities “remains committed” and can “remain open” to proposals for brand new nationwide parks sooner or later.
He added: “By scrapping plans for the third national park in Galloway, the Scottish government has slammed the door on the economic investment and new powers this designation could bring.”
David Hope-Jones, chief govt of the South of Scotland Vacation spot Alliance (SSDA), mentioned the choice was a “missed opportunity to attract sustained investment in visitor management, visitor experience and visitor infrastructure”.
He added: “In deciding not to back the Galloway National Park, we call on the Scottish government to outline how, through new investment, the same sustainable economic results can be achieved.”
Campaigners ‘relieved’
Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) mentioned it was the “right” choice.
Director of coverage Stephen Younger mentioned: “The Scottish authorities nonetheless has an vital position to play in shaping a profitable future for Galloway by supporting the infrastructure and situations that rural companies have to thrive.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to backing the region’s long-term prosperity.”
Liz Hitschmann, co-founder of No Galloway Nationwide Park, mentioned the marketing campaign group was “relieved” with the choice.
She added: “There is no question Dumfries and Galloway needs investment in our infrastructure, but it did not need millions frittered away on another layer of bureaucracy which could override local wishes, and the many government-funded organisations in the area need to deliver that investment.”
