Campaigners have thanked the people of Galloway for the support they say has helped secure its selection as the preferred choice for Scotland’s new National Park.
The Scottish Government announced in July that Galloway had been chosen from a shortlist of five bids from across the country, as the preferred location for Scotland’s new National Park.
“A National Park would bring major investment and boost Galloway’s international profile as a wonderful place to live, work and visit,” said Rob Lucas, chairman of the Galloway National Park Association.
NatureScot will now carry out a consultation across the region, including looking at the proposed boundaries of the National Park.
Following the Scottish Government announcement, Rob said: “This is superb news for Galloway, its people, its environment and its economy. We have been campaigning for almost eight years for Galloway to be designated as a National Park for Scotland and this is a huge step forward.
“This is the result of the strong support we have received from thousands of members of the public along with businesses, and from the local councils. We very much hope to see a new Galloway National Park come into being in 2026.”
He said that although Galloway has fantastic hills, mountains, moors and coastlines, it doesn’t have the means to make the most of these assets and reverse economic decline by building a sustainable future, generating jobs, tourism and business opportunities.
The Galloway bid was made in partnership with the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSAB).
“We are delighted that this global appreciation of its qualities is now being matched closer to home through Galloway’s selection as Scotland’s proposed third National Park.”
The bid has been supported by South of Scotland Enterprise, Dumfries & Galloway Council, South Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Council.
However, the proposed Galloway National Park will continue to be opposed by the National Farmers Union Scotland.
Vice President Alasdair Macnab said: “NFU Scotland views the creation of a new National Park in Scotland as unacceptable, a view supported by 93 per cent of our members.
“Based on the experience of many farmers and crofters currently living and working in the Cairngorms National Park and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, it is clear that existing parks have failed to make a positive contribution to farming and crofting.
“The consultation process now starting must be transparent, credible and inclusive – which it has not been in Galloway to date.
“Those who live and work within the proposed Galloway area deserve a platform for economic growth and development, and not be pickled in aspic by top tier rules and regulations driven by National Park requirements.”
