A CONSULTATION has been launched for Scotland’s newest National Park in Galloway.
NatureScot have encouraged the public to “have your voice heard” after opening the consultation on whether a new National Park should be established in Galloway and parts of South and East Ayrshire.
Galloway was chosen as the proposed new National Park out of several other applications – Scottish Borders, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest.
We told how locals in the region said they felt like they are not being listened to, while Rob Lucas of the Galloway National Park Association said it was “disingenuous” to suggest that nobody knows about the project, which has been eight years in the making.
It will also seek to gauge opinion on the proposal and alternatives to it.
The formal consultation opened on Thursday and will run until February 14 and is accessible on the NatureScot website and in print, audio and Gaelic versions.
During the second half of November, a consultation leaflet will be distributed to 52,000 households and businesses within the proposed area.
Public events will be happening across the area in the coming weeks, facilitated by independent consultants on behalf of NatureScot, ensuring that people are supported to share their thoughts and opinions in a positive environment.
There will be sessions within each event asking for responses on a variety of topics, as well as interactive boards and spaces and opportunities to leave anonymous feedback. Respondents can also complete a consultation leaflet in writing.
NatureScot will then report a full account and analysis of all views expressed during its engagement and consultation to Ministers in spring next year.
The Scottish Government is ultimately the decision maker on whether there will be a Galloway National Park.
NatureScot head of people and places, Pete Rawcliffe said: “A new National Park in Galloway is still a proposal and not a done deal, and this is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the proposal to have their voice heard.
“We are committed to ensuring every aspect of this is fair, transparent and as inclusive as possible.
“We need the communities who live and work across the south west of Scotland to take part in this consultation, and tell us what matters to them in order to make sure our advice to government is a fair reflection of the views held in their area.
“Our staff who work locally and nationally appreciate the thoughts and ideas that so many residents, communities, businesses, public bodies and other interested parties have contributed so far.
“This vital input, alongside our fieldwork, has helped shape the options we are now consulting on and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s ideas and feedback.”
After receiving NatureScot’s advice and consultation analysis in Spring 2025, the Scottish Government will then decide whether or not to proceed with the designation of a National Park in Galloway.
If the Government decides to proceed, it will consult further on the more detailed contents of a Draft Designation Order.
The final stage of the process is the consideration of the Designation Order by the Scottish Parliament and this will include the chance for the public to provide views to constituency MSPs.
The Scottish Parliament would then scrutinise the draft legislation before deciding whether to approve it.
